Public art in Johannesburg
The city of Johannesburg is home to an extensive portfolio of public art. Johannesburg has an active art scene and a variety of works that range from sculptures to murals to pieces by internationally renowned artists including William Kentridge and Gerhard Marx’s Fire Walker. Many pieces are developed through community workshops, such as the Vilakazi Street sculptures. Others are functional, such as street furniture in Hillbrow and the City Centre.
As part of the Johannesburg Development Agency’s (JDA) policy to make city areas desirable to potential investors, the organisation has identified public art as a way to improve the urban experience of the city and support South African. A percentage of every JDA project is allocated to a public art installation.
The intention of the public art is to attract the public into spaces they would not usually venture into, while improving areas and providing a living record of Johannesburg and its society.
Resources
- Interactive Johannesburg Public Art Map
- Official website of the City of Johannesburg
- Public Art Policy
- Public Art Gallery
- Public Art South Africa