If you can remember past the haze of Covid you may recall the market that used to happen in the low-slung industrial buildings which house Arts on Main. While the market is no longer happening Arts on Main itself is still a bustling hub of creativity and it houses some of Joburg’s most exciting creative forces and is still well worth a visit.

Arts on Main is such a unique space because everyone who is there is making something and it is hard not to leave feeling energised. A visit to David Krut Workshop best shows this and there is always something magical about watching the printers navigate their way through the looming machinery and scattered papers. A trip upstairs takes you to another printing workshop Danger, Gevaar, Ingozi which focuses on developing printmaking in South Africa.

Just next door from this is the Centre for Less Good Idea's Events space which will often feature an artwork by Katlego Sithole whose studio opens onto the space. There is also the Centre’s Other Space and the Drum archive which houses old posters and magazines produced by Drum. It provides a fascinating look back at South Africa’s history and the writers who helped shape Johannesburg at Drum.

Arts on Main is also host to regular cultural events by William Kentridge's Centre for the Less Good Idea which see artists and performers transforming the space around them. There are a number of other artists who call Arts on Main home with Mary Sibande, Mikhael Subotzky and William Kentridge all having studios there.

The makers at Arts on Main don’t just include artists with there being some great spots for fashion and food just outside. Mama Mexicana is always a treat while Home of the Bean makes some of Joburg’s best coffee and is a great place to go to if you are looking to get some work done. If your wardrobe is in need of an upgrade stop by Project Inflamed as their high-end streetwear is sure to make you stand out.

After exiting Arts on Main you may need to burn off that new-found energy and this is easy to do with Maboneng's bars and restaurants being just a short walk away. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to head in Maboneng, our guide has you covered.

Arts on Main has undergone a number of changes over the years but what has remained consistent is its commitment to being a space which fosters creativity and with a number of exciting new plans going forward it shows no sign of stopping.

To stay up to date with what is happening at Arts on Main see the Centre for the Less Good Idea and Arts on Main.