About The Arts Alive Festival

City of Joburg’s Arts Alive International Festival is back and promises to be bigger and better. This year’s rendition will captivate the hearts and minds of art and culture enthusiasts. Building on 30 years of an incredible creative story, this year offers nothing less than captivating spectacle, while honoring the history and the foundation of the Festival’s legacy.

Running from October 2023 to March 2024, the festival offers an array of artistic expressions that showcase local talent, cultural diversity and highlights those who have made a mark both locally and internationally while providing a platform to emerging creatives. The festival remains committed to fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and unity, where people from all walks of life can come together and appreciate the vibrant Joburg arts, culture and heritage scene.

“Cultural diversity is the heartbeat of South Africa, where vibrant traditions, languages, and stories unite in a colourful tapestry that defines our nation’s soul. Art lovers of all ages will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse range of artistic genres. The festival features visual arts, music, dance, theater, literature, and more. From traditional to contemporary, there is something to pique everyone’s interest,” says Vuyisile Mshudulu, Director of Arts, Culture and Heritage, City of Joburg.

Every year Arts Alive celebrates the richness of the City with an impressive lineup of performances, exhibitions, and interactive activities. Here’s what you can expect.

Old favorites that will return to the stage are the Clash of the Regions, the Creative Native Vintage Motor Show, Indigenous Gospel Festival, Joburg Choral Festival, Jazz in the Lights and the two elements that were introduced in the 2022 Arts Alive edition, which are Comedy and Poetry Showcase as well as the Emerging Fashion Designers Workshop and showcase in collaboration with Fashion Industry Awards South Africa and The National Department Of Sport, Arts and Culture. The programme targets emerging designers for the workshop which includes an opportunity to showcase their designs at The FIASA Awards ceremony.