Braamfontein’s original Saturday Market is back and buzzing.

Joburg’s bright young things love markets, so the reinvention of a Braamfontein stalwart has them pumped. Named “The Playground”, the weekly affair is situated in the former home of the now-defunct Neighbourgoods Market. Shaken and spruced up, it aims to spark joy and human connection, despite the doom and gloom of the past couple of years.

This weekend shopping fix was opened in early 2022 by original Braamies Neighbourgoods co-founder and urban developer, Adam Levy. Adam has been the force behind much of Braamfontein’s regeneration over the last two decades, and this, his latest project, adds a multi-floor mix of new food, art, design, fashion and music to the CBD.

“The Playground amplifies new stories and encourages the growth of new storytellers in this city,” says Adam. “It will excite a whole new generation, and will be a holding place for outstanding talent.”

READ MORE: Test Kitchen Carbon at Joburg’s Oxford Park

What makes the market so exciting is that it utilises the city’s best-kept secret – its citizens. By carefully choosing vendors and performers – be they bunny chow-makers, rising streetwear designers or jazz crooners – it provides a much-needed platform for the hustlers, creatives and passionate artisans of Johannesburg.

And because it takes place in a former office block with an iconic modernist facade created by sculptor Edoardo Villa, The Playground also offers great views of both the city and the area’s world-class street art.

Plus, the Braamfontein precinct has added more surveillance cameras – and the suburb’s previously informal car guards are now on Adam’s payroll, and have been tasked with looking after visitors, so the entire area around the market is buzzing and welcoming too.

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KAMERS/Makers, South Africa’s biggest pop-up retail market, continues to put local talent on the map.

The first pop-up gift market in 2003, then called Kamers vol Geskenke, saw just 40 makers set up in a few kamers of a Stellenbosch house and drew 800 visitors. Today, KAMERS/Makers features more than 600 exhibitors across its four national events, and drew a record-breaking crowd of 12 000 to the Joburg event earlier this year. KAMERS/Makers has helped many artisans to launch their products into the retail market.

The latest initiative, Mzansi Makers, seeks to support and up-skill fledgling creative entrepreneurs. The NGO sources, mentors and showcases talented makers from previously disadvantaged communities, and trains them to make items such as macramé plant hangers and mosaics under the Mzansi Makers label in the hope that they will establish themselves independently.

Five new Mzansi projects will be showcased at the next instalment at Southdowns College in Irene, Pretoria. On 4 December KAMERS/Makers will host a special opening night in aid of the MAD Leadership Foundation from 4pm until 8pm (tickets cost R150), while the market itself will run from 5 – 10 December from 9am until 5pm daily.

Tickets cost R60 on plankton.mobi with available group discounts and R80 at the entrance, which includes a limited edition KAMERS/Makers shopper bag and magazine. Multiple entry tickets available at R120. Students and pensioners pay R60 and those under 18 enter for free.

Browse a selection of products online at shop.kamersvol.com. For more information about the event, visit kamersvol.com.

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Deserted mining warehouses in a historic part of Joburg have been re-imagined into a thriving marketplace. Happiness!

Unlike many artisinal markets (think The Biscuit Mill and Neighbourgoods), The Sheds@1Fox boasts ample seating areas – meaning no elbow-to-elbow dining or awkward stand-up meals. Instead, expect roomy tables and timber benches (some made out of packing crates) in an airy space of trussed ceilings and exposed brick, steel columns and tin cladding. There’s also an outside courtyard dotted with veggie crates and potted trees that’s big enough to house a clutch of gourmet food vans and doubles as a gig venue for cool bands.

And it’s not just the pleasing architecture and coolly cosmopolitan selection of stalls – think Afro-Asian fusion cuisine, Mexican street food and traditional Serbian cuisine – that sets this newly opened market apart from similar ventures. The Sheds @1Fox also boasts an impressive heritage.

The gigantic brick-and-steel warehouses mark the district where intrepid miners first set up camp in their feverish search for gold. In fact, the centre part of the main shed is possibly the oldest industrial structure in Joburg – and the Good Luck Bar (one of three places to order a glass of sauvignon on the premises) pays homage to the original, eponymous 1895 bar.

But back to the stalls. From Contessa Exclusive Foods that sells vegan and wheat-free antipasti to Black Sam Smoque that offers wood-smoked beef, pork belly and ribs, The Sheds@Fox1 has got the culinary side taped. And for those who aren’t massive foodies, there’s a host of boutique design outlets offering anything from fresh blooms to ethically sourced, locally produced clothes and crafts.

Find this new addition to Joburg’s market scene just off the Selby off-ramp into town, just a short distance south of the Nelson Mandela Bridge.

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Expect the best in local design and crafts, delicious artisanal food and live music at KAMERS from the 2nd to the 7th of December 2014 at Open Window School, Southdowns, Irene.

All days run from 9am to 5pm, except on Friday, which will close at 7pm and on Sunday, which will close at 3pm. Entrance is R50 via ffw.co.za, R60 via facebook.com/kamersvol and R75 at the gate.

For more information, visit kamersvol.com.

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Food trucks have been around for ages and, as with all good underground ideas, have found a new market: parties and events like weddings, 21sts and office bashes. We selected a couple of our favourites, based not just on the innovative food, but also the aesthetic contribution. 

Cafeteria

With options such as slow-roasted leg of lamb and melt-in-your-mouth braised beef, this oh-so-trendy retro wood-clad food truck is definitely not your average cafeteria. Sample their offering at Cape Town’s Neighbourgoods Market every Saturday.

Full of Beans

Joburgers can have their caffeine fix delivered right to the door by an ever-so-cute and three-wheel Piaggio TriVespa scooter that has been customised to house a full barista station on the flatbed of this mini-truck-like vehicle.

Vuyo’s

Inspired by that popular beer ad featuring Vuyo the “big dreamer”, Miles Kubheka registered the name and started a diner in Braamfontein, which also has a food truck to bring the experience to you. Expect lekker local faves like vetkoek and mince, boerie rolls, and potjiekos.

Sugary Sensations

Yes, it’s a dessert truck. Yes, it’s painted fuschia pink, making it impossible to miss. Think cupcakes, candyfloss, popcorn… it’s all there. They also push the limits of what cakes can look like and will serve you fridge tart in a jar. We’re getting a sugar rush just thinking about it.

Balkan Burger

This tash-fronted bus brings a Serbian twist to the ol’ burger staple by using a traditional family recipe that entails a fold-over patty inside a somun bread (an eastern European pita). Sample the fare at the Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein every Saturday.

The Soft Machine

Experimental Paternoster chef Kobus van der Merwe has reinvented the ice cream truck with uniquely indigenous flavours like koeksister, milk tart and moerkoffie. It was conceptualised by Cow Africa and designed by the boys at Thingking.

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Ongoing

Free Outdoor Active Fitness Programme returns to the V&A Waterfront

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 021 408 7600

Until March/April 2015. Having partnered with top experts to develop the programme, the V&A will host a series of free physical activities ranging from yoga to running clubs, bringing the gym outdoors, and to you. 

Art Exhibition: Zanele Muholi and Andrew Putter

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) Pavilion, Bascule Bridge, V&A Waterfront

Until 12 October. View the work of provocative African artists Zanele Muholi and Andrew Putter from Wednesday to Sunday. Admission is free and the exhibition will be open from 12pm to 8pm.

V&A Market on The Wharf

Nobel Square, between the Two Oceans Aquarium and the V&A Hotel, Cape Town

The V&A Market on The Wharf is quickly entrenching its position as Cape Town’s ultimate gastronomic destination. An array of artisanal foods, on-site demo kitchens and a kids’ entertainment area are just a few of its features. The market is open all day Wednesday to Sunday.

Neighbourhood Goods Market

The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, come rain or shine, the Old Biscuit Mill becomes the hotspot for locavores. Expect over 100 specialty traders including local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs and micro enterprises – not to mention the designers. Get there early for parking. 

Neighbourhood Goods Market

73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

This is the younger cousin of the Cape Town event. It runs every Saturday from 9am to 3pm. It may not be quite as big and epic, but it’s steadily growing alongside the exciting Braamies rejuvenation. 

Groote Post Country Market

Groote Post, Darling Hills Road, Darling, 022 492 2825

Until April 2015. Indulge in the best of local Darling gourmet produce, arts and crafts, décor, gifts, homeware stalls and more, while the children are entertained by tractor rides, guided horse riding and sheep-shearing demonstrations. Relax in the shade on the lawns and tables, enjoying the live music while sipping on Groote Post’s Rosé, specially produced for the markets (and for sale at the monthly markets only). Held on the last Sunday of every month, until April 2015, between 10am and 3pm. Entry is free.

City Bowl Food Market

14 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town, citybowlmarket@gmail.com 

Every Thursday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm, this food and wine market offers easy access to fresh produce and tasty fare. Thursdays in particular have become quite a social affair and Saturdays sometimes includes a fashion component. 

Capital Urban Market

107 Corobay Avenue, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

Capital Urban Market is a Pretoria inner-city market forming part of the Cool Capital 2014 citizen-driven initiative to revitalise and restore the inner-city, as well as give local designers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and expand their brand.

Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks and Freedom XX

The University Museum, 52 Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch (Sasol Art Museum), 021 808 3691

Until 31 December, Dear Mr Mandela, Dear Mrs Parks is inspired by the late human rights activist Rosa Parks, as well as the hundreds of children around the world who wrote letters to Nelson Mandela. The staff of the university museum crowd-curated Freedom XX, with each member selecting an artwork and writing a short curatorial statement. Both form part the university-wide celebrations of 20 years of freedom. 

La Motte Helgaard Steyn Awards Exhibition

R45 Main Road, Franschhoek Valley, 021 876 8000

Until June 2015. The exhibition will showcase the works of the winners of the Helgaard Steyn Award since its inception in 1987 until 2013. It will focus on three main areas: visual art works, musical compositions and literature.

Wednesday 1 October

Cool Capital Biennale 2014

Until Sunday 5 October. The world’s first uncurated DIY guerilla biennale.

New Italian Design Exhibition

The Lookout, Granger Bay Blvd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 027 243 4304

Until 25 October. Triennale Design Museum, in collaboration with ITA presents an updated edition of The New Italian Design exhibition at the V&A Waterfront. Experience examples of contemporary Italian design and its influences over the last century.

City of Gold Urban Art Festival 2014

68 Juta Street, Braamfontein 011 023 0336

Until 11 October. Grayscale Concepts presents the fourth edition of South Africa’s only annual graffiti/street art festival. The week-long festival includes large-scale mural projects, film-screenings, street art tours and an exhibition.

Saturday 11 October

Karin Daymond Welcome Stranger Exhibition

Gallery 2, 140 Jan Smuts Avenue Johannesburg

Until 1 November 2014. Landscape paintings of South Africa.

Diane Victor’s Smoke Exhibition

430 Charles St, Pretoria, 012 346 0158

Until 22 November. The Fried Contemporary Art Gallery will be exhibiting Diane Victor’s renowned smoke art. Join the opening to see live art being created in an unusual way.

The Garden of St Christopher Open Weekend

The Garden of St Christopher, Hyde Park, Johannesburg

Until 12 October. Enjoy snacks, live music and the great outdoors all in aid of Johannesburg Child Welfare.

Willem Boshoff at the Goodman Gallery

163 Jan Smuts Ave, Johannesburg

Until 8 November 2014. Text, context, subtext and pretext are prime areas of concern in the new solo exhibition by Willem Boshoff titled Oh My Word!

Sunday 12 October

Play, an exhibition at NIROX

0723504326

Until 30th December.

Wednesday 15 October

MAKE IT NEW exhibition by the Cape Craft and Design Institute

Until 19th October. Visit this free exhibition at the Cape Town Stadium from 10am – 6pm showcasing over 170 local designers and craft producers.

Wednesday 22 October

Archifashion 2014

Jardown, 384 Madiba Street, Pretoria

A show with architecturally inspired headpieces and garments by the students of TUT Dept. of Architecture.

Friday 24 October

Spier Secret Festival

Spier Wine Farm, R310 Stellenbosch, 021 809 1100

Until 25th October. Receive top tips from local and international food and wine experts at talks, workshops and dinners. Take a stroll and enjoy the finest local food, wine and produce at the Secret Market.

Saturday 25 October

Greyton Rose Fair

Until 26 October. The 23rd annual flower fair is not to be missed by garden enthusiast.

Thursday 30 October

Photo & Film Expo

Coca-Cola Dome, NorthGate, Johannesburg

Until 2 November. Learn, network and browse this fascinating craft and profession at the largest photographic expo on the continent.

Save The Date

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Plascon Auditorium, 71 Waterkant Street, Cape Town.

Plascon Trend Talk 3pm -5pm

18 -21 March 2015

Made Expo Milano

Presented by Milano Architettura Design Edilizia

The post October 2014 Diary appeared first on Visi.

Ongoing

Neighbourhood Goods Market
The Old Biscuit Mill, 373 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

Every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9am to 2pm, this is the hotspot for locavores. Expect over 100 specialty traders including local farmers, fine-food purveyors, organic merchants, bakers and distributors, grocers, mongers, butchers, artisan producers, celebrated local chefs and micro enterprises – not to forget the designers. Get there early for parking!

V&A Market on The Wharf
Nobel Square, between the Two Oceans Aquarium and the V&A Hotel, Cape Town

The V&A Market on the Wharf is quickly entrenching its position as Cape Town’s ultimate gastronomic destination. An array of artisanal foods, on-site demo kitchens and a kids entertainment area are just a few of its laurels. The market is open all day Wednesday to Sunday.

Neighbourhood Goods Market
73 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9am to 3pm, this is the younger cousin of the Cape Town mother event. Not quite as big and epic, but steadily growing alongside the exciting Maboneng Precinct.

I Heart Market
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Isaiah Ntshangase Road, Durban, thejoyteam@gmail.com

On the first Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm, Durban’s design and food artisans share their wares at this funky market.

Venus at Home
Johannesburg Art Gallery, King George Street, Johannesburg, 011 725 3180

Venus at Home is a solo exhibition in which Usha Seejarim aims to explore the places she finds herself in, and the various roles she undertakes. The exhibition opens at 4pm on Sunday and is open until 12 May 2013.

Walt Disney and IncDecor Collaboration
The Plascon Spaces showroom, The Design Quarter, corner of William Nicol and Leslie roads, Fourways, 011 467 8693/4

Until the end of April, Walt Disney and INCdecor duo Celeste van Lingen and Lyrene Zimmerman have collaborated to transform the Plascon Spaces Showroomstage into a world of emerald fantasy in anticipation of the launch of Disney’s latest 3D animation, Oz: The Great and Powerful.

The Cape Town Triennials
La Motte Museum, R45 Franschoek, 021 876 8000

La Motte is very excited to announce the new contemporary exhibition in the La Motte Museum to be a selection of the very well-known and often-debated Cape Town Triennials, the most ambitious exhibition of contemporary South African art for its time, from 1982 to 1992. The exhibition will be on display indefinitely.

I ART JOBURG
A Word of Art, Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, 083 300 9970

The photographic exhibition of Martha Cooper’s Johannesburg street art photos from I Art Joburg opens in Cape Town tonight and runs until 14 April.

Impilo Engcono
Brundyn+Gonslaves, 71 Loop Street, Cape Town, 021 424 5150

Impilo Engcono results from a three-day workshop undertaken by Zwelethu Mthethwa at the Africa Centre in rural KwaZulu-Natal in June 2012. During this workshop, Zwelethu worked closely with 10 talented youths from the Mtubatuba area, training them in the art of photography with the intent of empowering them through the nurturing of a sustainable skill set. The exhibition will run until 1 May 2013.

About Earth and sky
Arts on Main, Maboneng Precinct, 249 Fox Street, Corner Main Rd, Johannesburg, 072 3504326

Until 14 April a solo exhibition of the new work created by Geoffrey Hendricks at the Nirox Foundation residency at the Cradle of Humankind will be presented.

Strange Flowers
Whatiftheworld Gallery, 1 Argyle Road, Woodstock, 021 802 3111

Strange Flowers, Olaf Hajek’s most recent body of work, is a hypnotic tangle of botanical forms and colour rendered in acrylic on wood panels. The exhibition runs until 20 April.

Libreville
Stevenson Johannesburg, 62 Juta Street, Braamfontein, 011 326 0034

Guy Tillim’s latest series of photographic images, taken in Libreville, the capital of Gabon, in 2012, draws on the formal and aesthetic concerns of his Second Nature series, as well as his ongoing interest in power and ideology in Africa, which informed his Avenue Patrice Lumumba and Congo Democratic works. The exhibition runs until 19 April.

Striking Back: Gandhi and the Rebellions of 1913
Artspace Durban, 3 Millar Road, Durban, 031 312 0793

Until 10 April, this exhibition is intended to commemorate the 100 years since the 1913 strike in South Africa, and also to highlight the history of this country and its relevance with politics today.

Amper Almal
KKNK Festival, Prince Vincent Building, corner of Kerk and Baron van Reede streets, Oudtshoorn

Pop artist Alex Hamilton has focused his attention on painting top South African icons to portray the exciting and diverse characters of South African history and pop culture in all its fascinating complexity. Inspired by street-art graffiti and classical pop art, each hand-cut stencil is spray painted onto a painted wooden block. The exhibition will run from 29 March to 6 April.

Monday 1 April 2013

Imagenius shoe sale
Imagenius Plett Upper Deck, Imagenious, 117 Long Street, 021 423 7870

Until 1 April, Imagneius is having an Easter madness 15%-off shoe sale.

Wednesday 3 April 2013

An Unknown Country
Michaelis Galleries, University of Cape Town Art campus

The Michaelis Galleries are delighted to host this “personal exploration of ageing”, by Peter Jenks. His work is paradoxically both absurd, as well as a deeply serious form of activism that highlights the prevalence of ageism in society.

Thursday 4 April 2013

First Thursdays
Central Cape Town, see map for route, goodevening@first-thursdays.co.za

Don’t miss this month’s First Thursday event, where various galleries in central Cape Town open their doors from 7pm to 9pm and the city becomes a museum like no other.

Genesis
Barnard Gallery, 55 Main Street, Newlands, 021 671 1666

Until 16 May, an exhibition of oil paintings by Ryan Hewett will be on display at the Barnard Gallery. Renowned for his brooding, evocative portraits, in this show the artist continues his exploration both of portraiture and his passion for oil as a painterly medium.

Open Studios Evening
The Woodstock Exchange, 66 to 68 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 021 486 5999

Some 50 studios at the Woodstock Exchange will open thir doors to the public for the evening. An evening of ideas, drinks and celebrations starting at 6.30pm. (View our photo essay on the Woodstock Exchange by Sydelle Willow Smith.)

The Painters Show
Kalashnikovv Gallery, 70 Juta St, Braamfontein, JHB

A group show featuring some of the most talented painters of various styles and schools. The opening evening is from 6.30 to 10pm.

Friday 5 April 2013

Playgroup Salon
T.A.A.C., Methodist Church Hall, corner of Milton and Wesley roads, Observatory

Francesco Nassimbeni, Hugh Upsher, Clinton Osbourn and Martin Mezzabotta will stock the shelves with curious creatures, doomed comics, deadpan drawings and take-away paintings. The doors will open at 6.30pm.

Saturday 6 April 2013

Holi One Festival Johannesburg
Emmarentia Dam, Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg

Finally the colour festival is in Joburg! Inspired by the original Holi Festival in India, the day is a huge fun-filled celebration of music and dancing. Tickets for sale on webtickets.

Hand-thrown by Heart
Art in the Forest, Rhodes Drive, Constantia Nek, Cape Town, 021 794 0291

This exhibition will showcase the hand-thrown ceramics of Western Cape potters. It will run at the beautiful Arts in the Forest in Constantia until June.

Tastes of Maboneng
Kruger Street, Johannesburg, info@mabonengprecinct.com

Do not miss out on your chance to participate in a street banquet on Kruger Street, sampling dishes from all of Maboneng’s restaurants. The cost is R120 per head and booking is essential.

Sunday 7 April 2013

Joburg Modern tour
Meet at Bosman Building Parking Garage on Joubert Street, between Bree and Jeppe streets (opposite Ansteys Building)

Join Brian McKechnie and Nechama Brodie on a Sunday afternoon expedition discovering some of Johannesburg’s most exemplary Modern Movement Architecture. GIfA Members R30, Non-members R60. RSVP here.

Joburg Art Walk/drive-about
Meeting point at the corner of Henri and Jorrisen streets, opposite Senate House, Johannesburg, 082 810 1835

This is a walk/drive-about hosted by Arts on Main’s Hannelie Coetzee. Participants will meet in Braamfontein to view Hawk Here, comissioned by the CISA dept at WITS University. The tour will then drive to other public artworks and stop off for lunch at Arts on Main, followed by a tour of the Maboneng Precinct. RSVP to hannelie@hanneliecoetzee.com.

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Vertex of Reality
34FineArt, second floor, The Hills Building, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 021 461 1863

Until 4 May, 34FineArt is proud to announce a solo exhibition of new works by Paul du Toit. Currently being treated for life-threatening cancer in Mexico, Vertex of Reality is a philosophical reflection on an uncertain future; a contemplation from the apex of real-life.

Thursday 11 April 2013

SA Fashion Week
Crowne Plaza, The Rosebank, Johannesburg

Until Saturday 15 April, this year’s fashion week is bound to be full of exciting designers and fashionistas, showing off their Spring/Summer collections. Visit their site for a full list of scheduled events and book on Computicket.

SAHRIS Architects Workshop

The purpose of this workshop is to train architects on making online applications for permits to alter, modify, demolish or otherwise change declared structures or buildings older than 60 years. R300 for Gifa members, R500 for non-members.

Mine
David Krut Projects, 142 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johanesburg, 021 447 0627

Mary Wafer’s series of paintings derive from a reflection on the events at Marikana of 16 August 2012. The paintings are partially abstracted landscapes derived from media images and Mary’s own visits to the site where the massacre happened. The exhibition will run until 18 May.

Taste of Cape Town
Green Point Cricket Club, corner of Vlei and Fritz Sonnenberg roads, Cape Town, 021 418 4516

Until Sunday 14 April, Cape Town’s premier food festival will take place at Greenpoint Cricket Club. Twelve of Cape Town’s best restaurants will fashion special menus of starter-sized dishes for the occasion, as well as signature dishes created by featured chefs designed to reflect their philosophy and showcase seasonal and premium ingredients in an unbeatable alfresco gourmet setting. For us design geeks, make sure to drop by Bombay Sapphire’s Winter Garden, which features intricate laser-cut paper designs by Pauline Irvine of Artymiss and garden benches by Thingking.

Transformative
A Word of Art, 66 Alert Road, Cape Town, elmarie@a-word-of-art.co.za

For this collaborative exhibition, Paul Senyol and Wesley van Eeden explore the notions of reality and society in a constant stage of change. The opening evening will start at 7pm, and the exhibition will run until May 25.

Paries Pictus
Stevenson Gallery, 160 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, 021 462 1500

One of South Africa’s most internationally renowned artists, Robin Rhode presents his first solo show in the country in over 13 years. His signature street art illusions will be on display, as well as a conceptual social outreach work that turned the gallery into a giant colouring-in book. The opening is from 6pm to 8pm and the exhibition runs until 1 June.

Blown
Blank Projects, 113 to 115 Sir Lowry Rd, Woodstock, 0721989221

Through a varied series of works and actions created and documented over several years, Belinda Blignaut has been processing issues around social constraint and transformation. With the body at the centre, the exhibition is an emotional response to a political world. Until 11 May.

Friday 12 April 2013

40 On Oaks tour
40 On Oak, Crescent Drive, Melrose Arch (up from Edgars entrance), Johannesburg

Join Osmond Lange Architects & Planners on an exclusive and once-off tour of the new 40 On Oaks residential block in Melrose Arch. The tour is free and will take place from 3.30 to 5pm.

Saturday 13 April 2013

Fragile: The Porcelein collective
Liz Loubser Gallery, 11 Cecilia Avenue, Risidale, Johannesburg, 011 7824051

Until 26 April, a group of nine of South Africa’s foremost ceramicists will join forces in a collaborative exhibition of their work at the newly established Liz Loubser gallery.

Chikadee SALE
Chikadee decor design life, Ardeer Street, The Interchange, Somerset West

Until the end of April (while stocks last) there is 20% to 70% autumn sale on a wide range of furniture.

Sunday 14 April 2013

Ultra-furn regional ceramics exhibition
MuseuMAfricA, 121 Bree Street, Newtown, Johannesburg, 011 791 5153

Until 28 April, this prestigious exhibition provides a superb forum for members of the public, art lovers and collectors of ceramics to see some of the best South African work in clay. Exhibitors are members of the Gauteng Region of Ceramics Southern Africa. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday.

After the Rainbow Nation 2013
Nirox Sculpture Park, Gauteng, 076 903 7819

In 2012 the city of the Hague showcased South African sculpture as part of its annual exposure of contemporary sculpture from around the world. The exhibition was entitled The Rainbow Nation. With the assistance of curator Mary Jane Darrol, iconic works from the Hague exhibition have been supplemented with new works to form an expansive new exhibition, open to the public on weekends and public holidays.

Coastal Cleanup
Kalk Bay reef parking lot on Main Road, Cape Town

Join I am Water and Salon 91 for a fun Sunday morning beach clean-up along the rocks from Kalk Bay to Muizenberg. The City of Cape Town are providing waste bags, so just take yourself, friends and family along. The group will meet in the car park at 9am, and will finish around 11am.

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Cutting a Niche in Africa: Far and Wide
University of Johannesburg, FADA Auditorium

Henning Rasmuss will share his animated experiences of travelling in Africa. Anthony Orelowitz will discuss Paragon’s latest completed work, Alexander Forbes and BDO/22 Wellington; and some of their current work. The worskshop will cost R75 for Gifa members, and R150 for non-members. RSVP here.

Informal studio: Marlboro South
Gifa, 77 Juta Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

During a seven-week period, 51 architecture students worked with “community planners” living in the informally settled former industrial buildings and on the open plots of Marlboro South, a historic industrial buffer strip between Alexandra Township and the City of Johannesburg at large. The exhibition documents a university course on in-situ upgrading developed by 26’10 South Architects in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut at the University of Johannesburg in 2012. The opening evening will commence at 6 for 6.30pm. The full exhibition will be up at the Goethe-Institut until 9 May 2013. RSVP for catering purposes.

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Retinal Shift
Standard Bank Gallery, corner of Simmonds and Frederick streets, Johannesburg, 011 631 4467

Until 15 June, this exhibition will showcase works by Mikhael Subotzky, the Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for the Visual Arts in 2012. Retinal Shift investigates the practice and mechanics of looking  in relation to the history of Grahamstown, the history of photographic devices and Mikhael’s own history as an artist.

Q&A with Jim Bolt
Meet at the entrance to the Old Fort, 11 Kotze Street, Constitution Hill, Johannesburg

The Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA) is excited to announce that Jim Bolt of the legendary firm Boltsons will be sharing his expertise in a “walking Q&A session” from 4 to 6pm. The Q&A is suitable for professionals, activists and enthusiasts. The cost is R75 for GIfA members and R150 for non-members.

Thursday 18 April 2013

Dark Paradise
Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town, kingkris22@gmail.com

From 6.30pm to 10pm is a preview of this debut solo exhibiton of the photographs of Krisjan Rossouw. This series of photographic nudes focus on the fragility and beauty of nature. Complimentary wine and canapes will be served, and a cash bar thereafter. RSVP.

Universal Design Principles for Bathroom
79 Dr Vosloo Road, Zenzele Park, Bartlett, Boksburg, 012 3488700

Don’t miss this Italtile presentation by internationally recognised industry professionals from 9am to 6pm. The cost is R300 per person.

Love thy Planet
Coast Studio, 50 Gwigwi Morwebi Street, Newtown, Johannesburg

After the successful implementation of the PUMA Creative Factory “Love Thy Planet” campaign that was recently rolled out in Johannesburg, PUMA are showcasing this collaboration and the work of their chosen ambassadors in a four-day exhibition taking place at Coast Studio in Newtown, Johannesburg until 23 April. The opening evening commences at 7pm and various DJs will play.

Friday 19 April 2013

Constantia Food and Wine Festival
Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, Cape Town, 0836794495

Experience the magic of the Constantia Valley at the Constantia Food and Wine Festival, where over 40 of the finest wines will be showcased, and delicious food from award-winning restaurants will be for sale. Entrance is R150 per adult, which includes ten tasting tickets. The festival will run on Friday and Saturday from 11am until 9pm, and Sunday 11am until 5pm.

Saturday 20 April 2013

Design discount
Dokter + Misses and Salvation Cafe, 44 Stanley, Johannesburg, 011 025 2469 and 011 482 7795

Eat at Salvation Cafe anytime between 20 April and 31 May, and get a 15% discount voucher for the Dokter + Misses shop. Eat and save… we like! Terms and conditions apply.

Barrels and Beards festival
Old Shed at Anysbos Farm on the Swartrivier Road, Bot River, nicolene@botriverwines.co.za

From 5pm to 11:30pm, savour the true spirit of the quaint Bot River Wine Route when local winemakers share the spotlight with the latest cellar gems from the heart of the Overberg during this harvest celebration.

Meditations
The Culture Gallery, Woodstock Exchange, 66 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 082 451 5780

This is a solo exhibition of paintings by Orly Rabinowitz. The opening event will take place at 11am.

Short and Sweet
Spier Estate, Stellenbosch, 083 294 1258

Short & Sweet is a short film series that began in London in 2006 and expanded to Toronto, Edinburgh and Cape Town. Short & Sweet will host a once-off free outdoor screening at Spier Hotel on Saturday 20 April. Gates open at 6pm and the films begin at 7:30pm. Seating is limited. Picnic baskets are available but please book 24 hours in advance at www.spierpicnics.co.za. Popcorn and drinks available.

Talking Heads
Iziko South African Museum, Cape Town

Forty people from a wide range of fields will gather in the Whale Well, at the Iziko South Africa Museum to share their passions, thoughts, insights and experiences. A genius mix of musical chairs and speed dating for the brain, a bell marks the time and guests will move from table to table engaging in four intimate 20-minute conversations. Book early (on Computicket) as tickets are limited. Dress with flair. Wine and tasty snacks will be served.

Sunday 21 April 2013

What is Poetry?
Various locations, Johannesburg, indra@jozi-artlab.co.za, 011 482 98 77

Until 27 April, this festival is a follow-up of the hugely successful festival that took place in Indonesia in 2012. The festival brings together poets from South Africa, Indonesia, China and many other countries of the world. This two-week celebration of language will focus not only on how poets use language, but how they adapt and change it.

Monday 22 April 2013

Consider China
artSPACE Durban, 3 Millar Road, Durban, 031 312 0793 

artSPACE Durban have invited a select group of artists to participate in this exhibition, their fourth “Inspiration” exhibition.

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Trend Talk #5
Plascon Design Centre Auditorium, Cape Town, 079 934 0221

After a slight sabbatical to allow for the trend space to start buzzing again, the popular Trend Talk series is back. Come and share in an afternoon of creative ideas and networking. Speakers include World Design Capital 2014 CEO Alayne Reesburg (read our interview here), Design Indaba Expo manager Kelly Berman and interactive artist Daniel Popper.

Stephan Welz Johannesburg Auction
13 Biermann Avenue, Rosebank, 2196, Johannesburg, 021 880 3125

Stephan Welz & Company Ltd are pleased to have on offer a Louis Vuitton leather steamer trunk dating back to 1907. With a pre-sales estimate of R25 000 to R30 000, the trunk is in very good condition and is accompanied by a letter from Louis Vuitton Malletier discussing the trunk’s original date of sale. The steamer trunk will come up for auction at 10.30am on the 24 April 2013.

LED Lighting Technology Workshop
Eurolux Showroom, 10 Milkyway Avenue, Linbro Business Park, Sandton

This workshop by Philip Hammond is free of charge. It will take place from 8am to 5pm.

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Magpie Motel
108-110 Lillian Ngoyi (Windermere Road), Morningside, Durban, 083 375 4386

Claiming to be “the very first pop-up shop in Durban”, the Magpie Motel features decor, fashion and accessories from Bloss & Co, Victoria & Hunt, Alice May, Jorge, Sass & Fate, Anthropologie, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Hererra and Madwa. From 10am to 4pm daily until Friday 26 April. No credit card facilities.

Durbanville Hills 15th Harvest
Durbanville Hills Wine Estate, M13, Durbanville, 021 559 8169

Join the masters at Durbanville Hills to celebrate their 15th Harvest and all their wines produced thus far. The event starts at 11am, RSVP by 18 April to lacarswell@durbanvillehille.co.za.

Thursday 25 April 2013

Decorex Cape Town
Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town

Until 25 April, Decorex will be in Cape Town with a wide array of speakers, interactive exhibitions and delicious food for visitors to enjoy. Read our report-back from Decorex Durban here.

Art and Justice Tour
Constitutional Court of South Africa, Johannesburg, arts@concourt.org.za

From 6pm to 7:30pm this free monthly event comprises a guided tour through the highest court of the country by the curator of the court’s art collection’s curator. In addition to seeing famous South African and international artworks by artists including William Kentridge and Marc Chagall, visitors will be able to see the award-winning architecture of the building and also hear about the history of the South African Constitution.

Vintage Movie Night at Morrells
Morrells Manor House, corner of Weltevreden Road and Taaibos streets, Northcliff, Johannesburg, 011 4762197

Head through to Morrells for their monthly Vintage Movie Night. This not-to-be-missed event sees guests dining on the lawns from a French Deli-style menu and then settling in for a screening of a classic film. The event is held on the last Thursday of every month. Movie and meal package is R345pp.

Vintage Market
Truth.Coffecult, 36 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town

This night market is dedicated to the love of vintage fashion. Expect to find all things vintage, retro, pre-loved and vintage-inspired. Market runs from 6pm to 10pm but the early bird catches the best deals!

Tyaphaka
Stevenson Johannesburg,  62 Juta Street, Braamfontein, 011 326 0034

The exhibition will feature a whale-like sculpture made from rubber inner tubing and ribbon, titled Tyaphaka, and new works on canvas. Tyaphaka, a Xhosa term referring to a ball with water or an eye, was first shown at the 2012 Sydney Biennale. The opening will take place from 6pm to 8pm. Until 6 June.

Friday 26 April 2013

Song for Sekoto 1913 to 2013
WITS Arts Museum, corner of Jan Smuts and Jorrissen streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 011 717 1365

Until 2 June WITS Art Museum will show a retrospective of the work by Gerard Sekoto, who is widely to be the “Father of South African Art”.

Saturday 27 April 2013

Durban’s Vintage Festival
DLI Hall, 5 D.L.I. Road, Greyville, Durban, 031 309 4238

A vintage clothing, jewellery and antique market will take place from 9am to 1pm. A 1950s dance from 6pm to 11pm. Not a day to be missed. Entrance to the evening dance will cost R70.

Hunger for Freedom
Spier Hotel, R310 Stellenbosch, 021 809 1100

To celebrate Freedom Day, join renowned anthropologist, chef and cookbook author Dr Anna Trapido at Spier Farm as she talks us through a 12-course tasting menu on “food in the life of Nelson Mandela”, based on her book Hunger for Freedom. Her menu is a gastro-political journey through the stages of Nelson Mandela’s life, explaining the meaning of food to him in each of the phases. The event starts at 19:00. The cost is R320 per person.

Sunday 28 April 2013

Et al
NIROX Projects, Arts on Main, 249 Fox Street, 072 350 4326

Until 08 May see a group exhibition of talented young to more established and well-known South African artists. The exhibition will play host to varying mediums from painting, litho cuts, photography and sculpture to installation based work. All of these combine to form an interesting juxtaposition of artistic styles and genres. The exhibition will open at 12pm on Sunday.

Save the date…

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May

Riebeek Valley Olive Festival
Allesverloren Wine Estate, on the R311 off the R46, between Riebeek Kasteel and Riebeek West, 022 461 2320

The Winter Sculpture Fair
NIROX Sculpture Park, Kromdraai Road, Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng

Monday 6 May

Shooting the Neighbour(s)
Artspace Durban, 3 Millar Road, Durban, 031 312 0793

Tuesday 7 May 

Collaboration: An Exhibition of Ceramics and Photography by Catherine and Lawrance Brennon
Fat Tuesday Gallery, 5 Bellevue Road, Bellevue Campus, Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal

Sunday 12 May

The Table of Peace and Unity
Table Mountain, 021 702 2280 or kristi@fieramilano.co.za

Mothers Day at Durbanville Hills
Durbanville Hills Wine Estate, Durbanville, Western Cape, 021 558 1337 

Thursday 23 May to Sunday 26 May

The Good Food and Wine Show Cape Town
Cape Town Convention Centre, Cape Town

Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May

Grand Designs Home and Garden Show
Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg, 011 794 5800

Thursday 30 May

WITS Art Museum Auction
WITS Art Museum, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 011 717 1365

Friday 31 May

Deadline for the Loeries Interior Design Awards

Monday 17 June

Litmus Skin by Bernice Stott
artSPACE Durban, 3 Millar Road, Durban, South Africa, 031 312 0793

Friday 28 June 20 to Sunday 7 July

Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna, Western Cape, 044 382 5510 

Friday 5 July

Deadline for the Cobra Design Competition
Cobra Watertech, design@cobrawatertech.co.za 

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July

Franschoek Bastille festival
Franschoek, Western Cape, 021 8762861

Thursday 25 July to Sunday 28 July

PE Homemakers Expo
Moffett on Main Lifestyle Centre, PE, 041 3736616

Friday 28 June to Sunday 7 July

Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
Around Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape, 044 382 5510

Friday 26 July 2013

Sometimes Words Are Hard to Find
artSPACE Durban, 3 Millar Road, 031 312 0793

Thursday 7 to Sunday 11 August

Decorex Joburg
Gallagher Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Friday 8 August to Sunday 11 August

The Good Food and Wine Show Durban
Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban

Saturday 7 September to Wednesday 11 September

Open Book Festival
Book Lounge, 71 Roeland Street, Cape Town, 021 462 2425

Saturday 21 September to Monday 24 September

The Good Food and Wine Show Johannesburg
Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg

This page is constantly updated, so browse back regularly to stay in the loop. If you would like your event featured, email details to web@visi.co.za.

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