University Of Johannesburg Arts & Culture

UJ Arts & Culture is a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA). The division, which is located at the university's Kingsway and Bunting Road campuses in Auckland Park, produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes. Students, alumni and staff make up the bulk of their audiences, but the centre is also open to the general public.

The UJ Arts & Culture centre boasts three formal interdisciplinary art venues, as well as a number of informal venues across UJ campuses. Promoting the work of Pan-African artists, local and abroad, this platform is vital to keeping the spirit of art alive in the city.

As far as independent performing and visual arts centres in the city go, this is one of the best. The architecture is contemporary and clean, giving visitors a sense of African pride in its design. The varsity vibe also adds to the experience as under normal circumstances students mull around the centre enticing audiences into the theatres and galleries.

Before COVID-19, shows were hosted here year-round, featuring the UJ Choir, student performers and professional actors and singers. Once lockdown is over, this is definitely one of the first places we'll be heading out to. If you've never attended an event here, make sure you do, too! It's sure to be a great introduction back out into the real world.

What's On

Just because we're still cooped up inside and staying very far away from each other, doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy world-class entertainment. In lieu of their usual autumn/winter showcases, the UJ Arts Centre will be presenting a series of virtual shows to raise funds for their students in need. Check out the awesome lineup below:

Theatre

Art

If you're after actual digital content to keep you entertained during lockdown, tune in for UJ Arts & Culture's latest exhibition titled 'The Pandemic Project'. Featuring a number of visual artists including Ronél de Jager, Diane Victor, Allen Liang, Fana Tshabalala, Lothar Bötcher and Khaya Ndlovu, this brand-new digital exhibition is the first of its kind for the UJ Arts Centre. Each artist will present a series of work reacting to or reflecting on their experiences during lockdown. The exhibition will be available online for one day only, so don't miss it!

Dates: Friday, 31 July 2020 at 13:00 - 18:00.

Venue: UJ Arts & Culture's YouTube channel.

Ticket price: Viewing is free, but please RSVP your attendance to the exhibitions here.

Diane Victor

For More Information

Visit the UJ Arts & Culture website for more information, or follow them on social media:

Facebook - facebook.com/UJArtsCentre

Twitter - twitter.com/UJArtsCentre

Contact them on 011 559 4674 or via email at [email protected].

What Is It?

Now in its fifth season, A Grand Night For Singing is the highlight of the UJ Arts Centre's calendar. A spectacular evening of opera, song and dance, A Grand Night For Singing is performed in aid of the Dean's bursary fund. The lineup for the 2020 show will be announced in due course. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates.

Don't miss out on this grand evening of music and celebration of young talent at the UJ Arts Centre Theatre.

When Is It?

Saturday, 18 April 2020 at 19:30.

Where Is It?

UJ Arts Centre, UJ Kingsway Campus, Corner of Kingsway Ave and University Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

Entrance is free, but they ask that you please make a donation to the FADA Executive Dean's Bursary Fund. Please confirm your attendance here.

For more information

Visit the UJ Arts Centre website for more information, or follow them on social media:

Facebook - facebook.com/UJArtsCentre

Twitter - twitter.com/UJArtsCentre

Contact them on 011 559 4674 or via email at [email protected]

What Is It?

UJ Arts & Culture is excited to announce that the UJ Choir will be performing a concert with the Afro Jazz diva of South Africa, Gloria Bosman!

Inspired by love and nature, this unusual fusion of art forms and music styles will be a first of its kind. A highlight for both UJ Choir and their audiences, this concert will feature choral gems, as well as musical arrangements created especially for this event. You won't want to miss it because it's sure to be a musical treat.

Supporting Bosman and the Choir singers are jazz pianist Pebble Mambane, cellist Gerrit Koorsen, harpist Jude HarpStar and percussionist Tlale Makhene.  The concert will also feature a young and upcoming vocal group that birthed from UJ Choir called Breathe. Get your tickets now!

When Is It?

Friday, 13 September 2019 at 19:30.

Where Is It?

UJ Arts Centre, UJ Kingsway Campus, Corner of Kingsway Ave and University Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

Tickets cost R80 -R150 per person. Get yours here.

For more information

Visit the UJ Arts Centre website for more information, or follow them on social media:

Facebook - facebook.com/UJArtsCentre

Twitter - twitter.com/UJArtsCentre

Contact them on 011 559 4674 or via email at [email protected]

What Is It?

The UJ Youth Arts Festival is a grand showcase of young talent. Featuring eight unique shows and productions, this festival is a must-attend for arts fanatics.

The line-up for the 2019 UJ Youth Arts Festival includes an Adult Ballet Showcase in which you will see re-imagined classics, as well as new works in classical ballet, hip-hop and contemporary dance. Moving Into Dance and the Tribhangi Dance Theatre will also perform highly anticipated new dance works.

Music lovers, the UJ Youth Arts Festival has a little something for you too. Come and see the UJ Choir perform a medley of songs in preparation for their year end concerts. Or, catch the JHB Youth Big Band live, paying tribute to jazz Masters like, Glen Miller, Sammy Nestico and many more.

Of course, the UJ Youth Arts Festival also pays adage to drama and theatre. Their line-up of shows is stellar and should definitely be on your to-see list. Our Stories, Induku and Lord of the Flies will grace the UJ Arts Centre stage during the festival. Don't miss this awesome theatre bill!

When Is It?

Wednesday, 28 August 2019 - Saturday, 14 September 2019.

Where Is It?

UJ Arts Centre, Kingsway Campus, Corner of Kingsway Ave and University Rd, Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

Tickets range from R30 - R120 per person. Get yours here.

**The UJ Choir Lunch Time Concert is free. This event takes place on Friday, 30 August 2019 at 12:30 in the Arts Centre Theatre.

For more information

Visit the UJ Arts & Culture website for more information about the festival. Also give them a follow on social media to keep up to date with the latest events:

Facebook - facebook.com/UJArtsCentre

Twitter - twitter.com/UJArtsCentre

Contact them on 011 559 4674 or via email at [email protected]

What Is It?

The WITS Young Choir and WITS Choir will join the UJ Choir for a concert performance under the musical direction of conductor Dalene Hoogenhout. This will be the first time in more than a decade that these choirs will share a stage! All three choirs will showcase their brand of choral music. It will be a joy to chorister and audience members alike. This is event that choir alumni and fans will not want to miss.

However, if you aren't a fan of choral music, fear not. The Wits Choir are well known for their African inspired performances, which often feature joyous dancing, ululation and great big smiles from both the performers and the audience. So, get your tickets now!

When Is It?

Friday, 16 August 2019 at 19:00.

Where Is It?

WITS Great Hall, East Campus, 1 Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

Tickets cost R40 -R60 per person. Book yours online via Webtickets.

For More Information

For more information, visit the Wits Choir's website or social media pages:

Facebook - facebook.com/events/377901709586095

Contact them on 011 717 1372 or via email at [email protected]