Everyone who lives here is painfully aware of our lack of a mountain or a large body of swim-able water. Often people are quite disillusioned. Then, all of a sudden, a simple campaign comes along, that somehow manages to put it all into perspective. It’s the people make Johannesburg what it is. There are conversations, moments, and interactions you can have in this city that could never happen anywhere else in the world. The man in front of you in that line can be your best buddy for the next two minutes. The car guard will greet you with a smile at 3 in the morning.
These guys took to the streets with giant cardboard signs with their message stenciled boldly for the citizens of the city to read. The first day they did it, the city was alive with buzz as to what they were up to. the message is simple though: to spread happiness and remind people why they love Johannesburg. They stand in traffic jams, at interesctions and public places. You’re encouraged to go the site and download the stencil in order to make your own sign.
Follow the campaign, and join them on one of their flashmob events.
Primarily, The Bag Factory is a studio space for artists in the heart of the city. They offer local and international artist residency programs as well as host exhibitions, events and community workshops linked the visiting and permanent artists’ work.
When you think to yourself, “I know Johannesburg inner city is getting better”, The Johannesburg Development Agency are the dudes that are doing some of the most important work. They the guys that move in to all the crap spots and boldly declare them sites needed for redevelopment. they mange bugets of millions that do there very best to serve the space as best it can to get it back on it’s feet. They are also responsible for small finishing touches like street lamps, city art, security guards with properly branded outfits, and green spaces.
The Bioscope is Johannesburg’s only independent art house and cultural cinema. The a permanent and exclusive cinema space opened its doors on 8th June, and will show films almost every night of the week, with tickets, popcorn, and all the necessary old classics and films from around the world and our own back yards. This is the real deal people.
In true Jobusy style, its important to also mention the existence of The Good Hope Cinema, and First Wednesday Club at Atlas Studios, so there more out there than Shopping Mall Cinema. Originally operating out of Arts on Main, the cinema is staying in the Maboneng Precinct, as the new permanent venue gets built on the ground floor of Main Street Life. The Bioscope aims to provide “diverse cinema, for a diverse audience”. Already the list of films screened includes UK Documentary Dark Days, German foreign language drama The Lives of Others, and local indi doccie Dont F*** With Me, I Have 51 Brothers and Sisters.
On the site, all listing s of films and events are available, as well as details on how to book seats.
The idea is simple. In order to truly love something, you first have to understand it. Johannesburg is no different in this regard.
Connect with the real city through those who live and play here. The result? A catalogue of Johannesburg like no other.
