Johannesburg’s Arts on Main is breathing new life into the city centre and is an important feature on the South African arts and crafts landscape.
This inner city development provides a stimulating space for artists from many disciplines, including film, literature and contemporary art, to create and sell their work.
The Arts on Main development is as much about paying homage to Johannesburg’s history as it is a vote of confidence in the future of the city and its vibrant community of artists. As a multi-discipline arts centre, it combines studio, commercial, residential and retail spaces in a renovated warehouse that was originally built in 1911.
Before the building’s conversion into the creative and innovative space it is now, Arts on Main was a bonded liquor store that was later used by a construction company. During its renovation, the basic structures of the warehouses were preserved and almost all the original industrial features, such as the double volume ceilings, concrete floors and over-sized windows, have been retained.
Today, the development houses a collection of some of the best South African contemporary art galleries, including the Goodman Gallery and the Seippel Gallery. Local modern art icons such as William Kentridge, David Krut and Kim Lieberman, among others, have studios at Arts on Main.
It is also home to a number of interesting organisations. Bailey’s African History Archives, which holds more than 40 years’ of South African photographic history, is located at Arts on Main. It also hosts the Nirox Foundation, which promotes African arts and crafts, and the Jozi Art Lab, which supports innovation and collaboration between artists across all disciplines. You can also find David Krut Publishing and the Goethe Institute at this art centre, along with Artright, which offers South African artists business and legal education.
There’s also a small collection of stores selling South African fashion, decor, books and art supplies. In addition to its commercial spaces, Arts on Main has a number of event areas. These regularly feature projects such as exhibitions, installations, dance, music and poetry performances, book readings, film screenings and lectures.
Every first Thursday of each month, SuperBike Magazine is joined by many bikes departing from various venues which results in a massively attended ride into the city centre. Our most popular starting point is from the Man Cave at RAD Moto in Rivonia. We try and concentrate on different start points each month but we insist that each of the dealers still continue with their own rides.
We have had a few concerns from “Arts on Main Virgins” for their safety when travelling through the CBD but, to date, we have had absolutely no issues and the bikes create massive attention and positive vibes through each street from the locals. It is totally safe for anyone to come along and we have all kinds of bikes ranging from 100cc scooters to big adventure bikes and cruisers. All bikes are welcome and the speeds travelled are not fast by any means as we try to keep the groups together as best we can.
Our next Bike Night is on the 3 September 2015 and if you miss that one the next one is on 1 October 2015. To find out where we will be starting from you can either keep a look out on our website or follow our Facebook page.
