What is an Art Mile?
An "art mile" is simply a walkable route connecting creative spaces. Contrary to popular belief, "mile" isn't just an Americanism. It comes from the Latin mille passus (a thousand paces) and has been a staple in British English for ages, part of the imperial measurement system we know well. Globally, the concept is iconic. Think of Amsterdam's "Green Mile," Berlin's "East Side Gallery," or Detroit's "Art Mile," which rallied over 50 galleries online during the pandemic. In the US, you have Mural Miles in LA and Newark. Back home in Mzansi, Cape Town boasts a mural mile, and in Joburg, the Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank is the gold standard, with the Soweto Art Mile recently gaining traction.Inspiration strikes
The Melville Art Mile connects the suburb's creative spaces, taking inspiration from these global districts and the successful "First Thursdays" culture pioneered in London and replicated from Cape Town to Detroit. The spark for this initiative came to Snaps on Seventh founder Aubrey Moloto during a recent shoot in Cape Town. Experiencing the city come alive for First Thursdays moved him deeply. He witnessed the magnitude of the arts celebration, seeing neighbourhoods literally grind to a festive standstill, from the food trucks and street entertainment of Mitchell's Plain to the high-end galleries and international artists on Bree Street.
Seeing these starkly contrasting areas celebrate the arts in their own way, Moloto saw different facets of his home, Melville, reflected. He realised that if a close-knit community in Mitchell's Plain could come together in this way and parties could rage in the city celebrating artists, the quiet residential streets and buzzing business node of Melville could do the same. It clicked instantly, and he thought: "Melville must do something like this."
Melville's comeback
Moloto has been running a community newsletter for just over a year. In that time, he has met many local business owners, covering the "movers and shakers" and highlighting the good Melville has to offer. When he started Snaps on Seventh, Melville was still reeling from the pandemic and enduring one of its roughest patches.
Since then, the community has rallied. They fought safety issues via the CPF's CIB patroller scheme – funded by a collective of businesses – which led to the resurrection of the Melville Business Association and a security upgrade to the professional Goni Security.
Then came a momentous occasion: The Happening (March 2024). This incredible festival, organised by a coming together of residents and businesses, recreated the flash of Melville's heyday. It was a family day that residents talk about to this day. Since then, the spirit of collaboration has soared, leading to the recent 7th Street upgrades, community clean-ups, and much more.
Turning a corner
While Melville isn't quite at its full potential yet, it has covered massive ground since 2021. If you follow the Melville Untold newsletter, you'll know the suburb has turned a corner. Moloto went from digging deep and scrounging for positive news to "having too much content for one week!" Now, every week, there are gallery exhibitions, special events, and creative workshops. From Gontse Makhene of The Brother Moves On hosting African drumming classes at Life-Style Hub and Tatjana Grabow's music jams at Lovemore Music to Rae Wilmot and daughter Hildegard hosting pop-ups for handcrafted jewels and crochet at Avalon Art, the calendar is packed.Creativity leading the charge
Photo: Aubrey Moloto @snapson7th.
It became clear to Moloto that Melville is on the rise, and art is leading the charge. Alongside the creatives, new eateries, and businesses are popping up. Among these are the iconic Die Pienk Kerk on Chatou Road; The Melville Mansions collective, which includes The Soucery coffee shop; Gourmet Gimba – a dark kitchen by Erica Louw; and Resource Gallery, a collab between Natasha Carstens and Nkululeko Mabe. Most recently, The Green Fork joined the Mansions fray. Furthermore, 27 Boxes has fittingly rebranded to Joburg Artist Market (JAM), promising a haven for artists. They have since welcomed Gino Hart's Titanic Museum of SA, which boasts the biggest Titanic model in Africa and tells the ship's untold South African stories.
Breaking down the silos
The resurgence is real, and the arts are winning by a landslide. Two factors made the next step clear for Moloto: the First Thursdays culture in the Cape, and Melville's comeback being centred on creativity. The silos had to come down. Since he knows the players individually – even if they don't know each other – Moloto felt obliged to bring the arts together. It was a daunting task, but it was necessary to get everyone working cohesively. The Melville Art Mile is a creative attempt to do just that, with hopes of eventually establishing a Melville Art Association to support local galleries and cultivate the scene. The vision? To cement Melville as a world-class cultural hub and attract art enthusiasts from Mzansi and beyond.The pilot event: Dec 4, 2025
The Melville Art Mile's first project is a pilot First Thursdays event on Thu, Dec 4, 2025. It invites the city, and especially residents, to celebrate Melville's cultural heritage – with a Melville spirit twist. The route starts at Die Pienk Kerk on the border of Richmond and ends at the Melville Mudroom on Main. The Melville Security Initiative will place trained personnel along the route to ensure a safe, fun walking experience. Prefer not to walk? Tuk-Tuks will be buzzing up and down to transport patrons to their favourite venues.
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES AND HIGHLIGHTS
– Stokvel Gallery: A mono print and etching exhibition by Gabriel Stephens with an artist walkabout.
– chiesa di PAZZO LUPi: A live music show by Sibongile Gwacela and her trio, and hosting the Melville Artisanal Market.
– Melville Artisanal Market: Snacks and artisan products along the route, plus a special night market in the chiesa parking lot.
– Studio 79: Martin Wenkidu presents a talk, paper making, and live studio demos.
– Die Pienk Kerk: A special Karoo Gothic collaborative evening and the official starting point.
– The Melville Mansions Collective: An artist mental health workshop at The Soucery, and Exhibition Through Music at the Green Fork (in collab with Resource Gallery).
– Trov x Oksijen: An exciting collaboration launching at the event.
– DGI Studios @27Boxes: A massive print-making and zine workshop at 27 Boxes in partnership with the children of Johannesburg Child Welfare (some of whom will volunteer as information marshals).
– Melville Mudroom: A pottery workshop and fired mug painting.
– AA Gallerie: A Y2K-themed evening, piercing station, and photobooth.
– Avalon Art: Print-making and bracelet-making workshop.
– Indoni Art House: An exhibition celebrating their first year in Melville with a collective opening featuring pieces from the year's exhibitions and live music.
– Snaps On Seventh: Aubrey Moloto, Jozi My Jozi's #JoziWalks2025 Walk Champion, hosting a curated tour with immersive activities.
– 21Folds: Providing souvenirs for the tour guests.
– iheartideas: handling the graphics and developing the brand
Get your tickets
Many galleries will be hosting talks and exhibitions alongside these activities. Entrance is tiered, as follows:– Free for those who want to roam, explore, and support the spaces directly.
– R120p.p. including the specific experiences of your choice.
– R350 p.p. for a premium guided tour hosted by Snaps On Seventh, including all immersive experiences, complimentary drinks, and a souvenir by 21Folds origami.
Book your spot here.
We love this initiative as a new way to celebrate the arts in Joburg. Enjoy a safe evening walking the city or tuk-tuking from gallery to gallery. This is just the pilot event; the grand opening rolls out on Thu, Feb 5, 2026 – and from then on, it's a monthly fixture. Follow @snapson7th on Instagram to stay up to date.
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