CONTRA.JOBURG
South Africa’s largest visual arts festival is back
May 25 & 26 from 10:30–17:00.
Now in its third year, Contra.Joburg (formerly Open Studios. Joburg) is South Africa’s largest open studios event.
● Each day focuses on a different route through the city.
● The number of artist spaces has been expanded to 13, visitable over two days.
● The new spaces include Oovookoo, WLM and 11 Alexander Street.
● Around 170 artists and makers will participate in this year’s event.
● Selected musical performances will take place during the event.
● Visitors can access shuttle transport running in two loops on each day of Contra.Joburg. This is included in the ticket price.
● A shuttle will also run between RMB Latitudes Fair at Shepstone Gardens and Contra.Joburg (tickets for RMB Latitudes must be booked separately).
Saturday 25 May from 10:30am to 5pm
Bag Factory – Artist Studios, Gallery & Drinks
EspressOn – Live Music, Food & Drinks & Gallery
Grayscale – Gallery, Studios & Drinks
Play Braamfontein – Studios, Drinks & Food
Rand Club – Gallery, Live Music, Drinks & Food
Creative Uprising Hub @Transwerke – Studios
Tickets on sale here: Saturday 25 May
Sunday 26 May from 10:30am to 5pm
Asisebenze
August House
Ellis House
Living Artists Emporium
Oovookoo
Victoria Yards
Tickets on sale here: Sunday 26 May
Selected event highlights
● Choose your favourite artwork and win a prize with Nando’s. Choose your favourite artwork for the people’s choice VUSA AWARD by Nando’s. Take a photo or video and share it on Instagram or TikTok, along with the name of the artist. Tag @nandoscreativityofficial and @contra.joburg and use this hashtag #NandosVusaAwards. One winner will receive a prize valued at R4000, which includes a R1000 Nando’s voucher, and an original Creative Block artwork, plus a Nando’s swag bag, including Nando’s merchandise.
● Dress to impress and win a prize with Contra.Fashion. Dress CONTRA at the event, from CON-Trasting to CON-Troversial. Take a selfie at Contra.Joburg and post it on Instagram with the tag @contra.joburg and use this hashtag #ContraFashion. The winner will receive a R2000 gift voucher from Sneaky Sundays to have your favourite pair of sneakers hand-painted by an artist.
● Art, Wine and Design at Nandos’ Central Kitchen on Sunday 26 May. Take a tour of Nando’s award-winning head office, or enjoy a fired-up art, design and wine exPERience. Meet the designers, taste the wine, and explore the Creative Block artworks on offer.
● Take a graffiti tour with City Skate Tours. Meet in the parking lot on Henri Street, Braamfontein.
Tour times: 10:00-11:15, 12:00-13:15, 14:00-15:00, and 15:00-16:00. R50 per person over the age of 16 and free to anyone under-16.
● Start your collection with a R1000 A5 artwork by 76 Project at August House on Sunday 26 May.
● Enjoy learning how to screen and block print with the Imbali Visual Literacy Project. Free of charge on Saturday 25 May, at Play Braamfontein.
● Join our panel discussion on Art Investment hosted by Mary Corigall on Sunday 26 May at 14h30 at Ellis House.
● Visit a number of amazing solo and group exhibitions taking place over the weekend.
For more information, visit https://www.contrafair.joburg/things-to-do
