As you move through Johannesburg, its contradictory layers and histories become evident. We believe that if you want to get a fuller picture of the city, you need to get up close with the creative energies held within its concrete boundaries. The best way to do this is to visit the places where creation, and often magic, happens. For us it's found in the many artist studios dotted across Jozi.
Home to some of Joburg's most ground-breaking, sometimes controversial, and ever innovative art-making, these are nine studios you need to visit. While many are open by appointment only or on select open days, this year's Contra.Joburg offers a unique opportunity to see all nine in one weekend. Plus, it's a chance to buy art directly from the artists.
Find out more about this immersive event taking place on Sat, Aug, 30 and Sun, Aug 31 2025 here. Different studios will be open on these two days, so be sure to book when you want to attend. On each day, there will also be a shuttle service available. The shuttles operate in two loops as a hop-on, hop-off service and should be available every 15-20 minutes. There is a shuttle available at every participating venue, and the first shuttle will leave at 10:00. The last shuttle will leave its venue at 17:00 and do one complete loop.
Being an ardent supporter of the city's creative economy, Johannesburg In Your Pocket is once again a media partner for this event, so, here's a rundown of the studios that'll be participating during Contra.Joburg 2025.
Asisebenze Art Atelier Studios
Asisebenze Art Atelier Studios at 28 Plein Street, in the wild heart of Hillbrow with its multitude of traders and taxis, host a range of artists who are as dynamic as the city they create in. With a gallery, studio space and art dealership, Asisebenze extends their mission of fostering innovative art and focusing on creating an environment for artists to thrive. A few of the artists currently in residence are Siphamandla Ex, Stephen Langa, Mbali Tshabalala, and Fumani Maluleke, amongst others. This venue has underground, secure parking, and shuttles will drop and collect visitors from the parking entrance.
August House
August House in Doornfontein used to be an industrial warehouse, but now it's home to the studios of 48 artists from across South Africa, the continent, and the world. With five storeys of private art studios, it's the city's largest artist studio space. Inside you'll find a warren of studios, small and large, and a dynamic community of new artists and more established names living and working together, sometimes as neighbours and friends, and often as established art collectives, too.
Some of the most in-demand contemporary artists currently working from August House include Lindokuhle Zwane, Fathema Bemath, and Terence Maluleke, all of whom have shown at South Africa's most prestigious galleries.
Open studio days at August House present an opportunity to dive right into the artistic process, and to buy art directly from the artists. As you wander around you'll invariably be invited in to pull up a pew inside an artist's studio, perhaps with a cup of wine, and engage with their inspirations. On open studio days there's also always entertainment adding to the atmosphere, be it a performance, live music or afternoon drinks on the rooftop with a view of the city.
August House has limited on-street parking outside of the studio, but for Contra, visitors can use the underground parking space at Access City (located at Gate 1, Lower Ross Street, Doornfontein). If you choose to park in the underground parking, you can then use the shuttle to come to August House.
Bag Factory Artists’ Studios
One of South Africa's first collective artists’ studios, Bag Factory, launched in 1991 in an old factory in colourful Fordsburg, on the edge of the inner city. Since its inception the non-profit artist studio's aim has always been to provide a supportive infrastructure and inspiring space in which artists from an array of backgrounds can thrive.
Over the years Bag Factory's 18 studio spaces have fostered the talents of some of South Africa's most celebrated contemporary artists. A strong affinity to the studio's ethos often sees these famous alumni returning to mentor new artists or to donate works to be sold in the annual fundraising Salon Sale. The hall of fame is an impressively long roster of names that includes artists such as co-founder David Koloane, Sam Nhlengethwa, Kagiso Patrick Mautloa, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Tracey Rose, Kendell Geers, Lady Skollie, Blessing Ngobeni, and Bronwyn Katz.
An emphasis on collaboration and regular international artists' residencies means there's always something different to see, with each artist free to express themselves across their studio space in print, paint, sculpture, light, sound, or any medium takes their fancy. Resident artists are drawn here from across the country and beyond so there's an intriguingly broad mix of themes to explore, from feminism to the environment; consumerism to spirituality. Debate and cultural dialogue between artists and audiences is encouraged, and a visit is not only an opportunity to discover new art, but also to engage in thought-provoking conversations.
Located at 10 Mahlatini Street, Fordsburg, you are welcome to park outside on the street. The shuttles will collect and drop visitors at the main entrance to the building.
The Creative Uprising (at Transwerke)
What was once the Queen Victoria Maternity Hospital and then flats for Transvaal provincial staff, is now Constitution Hill’s Creative Uprising Hub (at Transwerke). Inside Transwerke’s unassuming walls, more than 60 visual artists, makers, artisans and supporting organisations are creating and changing the landscape of Johannesburg.
You'll be left with a charge of energy after visiting. In a place where few spaces foster the freeing environment needed for culture to thrive, The Creative Uprising Hub (at Transwerke) offers a glimpse of a city where community, creativity and autonomy are prioritised. We’re excited to see how the hub continues to develop.
