Contra.Joburg is back in Johannesburg this August with a bold new theme: “What if art interrupts you?” The festival takes over the city’s streets, rooftops, galleries and forgotten buildings with a mix of visual art, design, and unexpected interventions.
Festival Details and Dates
Running from 30–31 August 2025, the festival features over 170 artists, designers, and makers. Founder Sara Hallatt says, “Every artist, every location, and every moment is chosen to surprise you. We want visitors to feel like they stumbled into something unique.”
What to Expect
Visitors can expect live glitches, sound installations, and collaborative artworks that challenge conventional definitions of art. Each day has a different route, linking venues with a shuttle service included in the ticket price. The event is family-friendly, with dedicated children’s activities at various locations.
Special Exhibitions and Partnerships
This year, Contra.Joburg is partnering with Africa Collect to make buying art easier, allowing collectors to pay over 12 months. A special exhibition with Stephan Welz & Co. (SWELCO) brings vintage objects to life as contemporary artworks, available for purchase exclusively on Welz Boutique.
Supporting Johannesburg’s Creative Spaces
Civic initiative Jozi My Jozi is supporting the festival, highlighting the role of creativity in shaping Johannesburg’s public spaces. Since its launch, Contra.Joburg has generated nearly R3 million in direct art sales, supporting local artists and collectors alike.
Participating Venues
Participating venues include August House, Asisebenze Art Atelier, Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, Ellis House, Living Artists Emporium, Play Braamfontein, Victoria Yards, the Rand Club, and The Creative Uprising Hub. Each location hosts curated exhibitions and performances over the two days.
Tickets are on sale now. Visitors can access shuttle transport between venues, with the last shuttle leaving at 17:00 each day. Food and drinks will be available at various locations, but outside food and beverages are not allowed.
About Contra.Joburg and META Foundation
Contra.Joburg was conceived by Sara Hallatt, director of the META foundation, a not-for-profit that runs visual arts programmes for Johannesburg-based artists.
