Melville to become alive again as another iteration of First Thursdays beckons

Taking place on August 6, 2026, artists will once again open their studios to visitors, exhibitions will be mounted in its galleries, art conversations will take centre stage, and art will be offered for sale, as well as the market that hosts home-made somethings, will be part of this cultural experience in the suburb.

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

The last two iterations that I have attended in the past, were a success. The initiative, is clearly gaining momentum.

For example, the last First Thursday event, organised by Melville Art Mile Association, a Non-Profit Organisation, started to position Melville art businesses, artists, galleries and artist studios, at the centre of this event, demonstrated a clear potential that this event will soon be a place to reckon with.

Visitors moved from one gallery to another. Artists, mainly those busking, had an opportunity to perform for audiences. Artworks were bought, and conversations around the issue of art, were on the lips of those that attended.

Then, I joined a media tour that took us to artist studios, galleries where exhibitions were mounted, and even attended an early Christmas Carols event at Hotel Hope at corner 7^th Street and First Avenue, where we enjoyed a cup of coffee and a glass of wine as classical musicians entertained us. I was in the company of other media people, as well as VIP visitors.

All this points to one thing –no matter how many times social commentators declare Melville finally dead, culturally, this medium size suburb, refuses to do so. Instead, it keeps on going and attracting tourists and visitors alike. To the surprise of doomsayers, refuses to die. In fact when you conclude that the time has arrived, it suddenly invents its self to maintain its reputation as a place of vibrant culture, connection and coffee society culture.

Yes, during the night, you will be lucky to find street parking, particularly on the legendary 7^th Street, a short street where restaurants are always packed, exuding mainly youth energy.

This is a street, whose reputation has reached international capitals. Travelling from New York to London, Athens to Tokyo, as it has become a must-visit place for tourists passing through Johannesburg.

The organisers of First Thursday, the Melville Art Mile Association, have now confirmed another iteration of the event.

Taking place on August 6, 2026, artists will once again, open their studios wide to visitors. Exhibitions will be mounted in the several,galleries found in the place. Art conversations will take centre stage, and art will be offered for sale, as well as the market that hosts home-made somethings, will be part of this cultural experience in the suburb.

However, this time around, particularly because August is Women’s Month, the event centres women artists, who have been invited to exhibit their works at the event in the different art spaces that are part of this event.

“August is our Women’s Month edition, Ladies First, on Thursday 6 August, 4–9pm. The whole night is built around the women shaping Joburg’s art scene, with female artists given priority on the programme,” states Aubrey Moloto of Melville Art Mile Association.

what to look out for

• ERF350 Melville Studios brings Sinenkani, a group show whose four female artists include the established Naledi Modupi and Palesa Mshungu.
• Realms of Ra by Protea Phoenix, a maiden all-female exhibition built as “a celebration of womanhood, the strength of South African women, and the goddess within”, with a group exhibit of five artists
• After Hours: Made Among Us takes over the JAM rooftop with a 14-exhibitor multi-disciplinary social: a live band running through neo-rock, r’n’b singers, an eclectic group dance performance and a private jazz DJ set. Red self-guided ticket holders get free entry
• SIX Cocktail Bar hosts comedian Aiden Ho’s art-meets-comedy party, with fine art, cocktails, origami and calligraphy in one room
• Botaki Ba Afrika brings a group exhibition of 10 artists, a multidisciplinary show exploring identity, memory and belonging
• Maitemogelo Mphela goes solo with us this month, showing contemporary mixed-media abstraction built on layered surfaces and intuitive mark-making
• Along the route, Lerato Motau’s textile fibre work honouring women, and Nobethu Jolobe’s abstract celebrations of feminine energy, among many more
• Bringing the kids? ArtC (Lana Combrinck) is at the Play Café with an art and entrepreneurial exhibition showcasing children’s art from preschool to high school
• This month’s poster is by Robyn Zanine, whose first South African solo, Chatter, runs at Victoria Yards until 12 August

Three ways that get you in
A free wristband to wander at your own pace · R150 for the self-guided route with the shuttle and the night markets · R450 VIP for the guided walk, refreshments and behind-the-scenes access.
Tickets on Quicket and at melvilleartmile.co.za.