First Thursdays was started in Cape Town in 2012, and in Johannesburg in 2015. Inspired by similar initiatives in other cities around the world, the monthly event, taking place on the first Thursday of every month, is centred around a primary programme of art galleries and cultural attractions that are open to the public until late. The initiative is equally about access to the arts as it is about injecting life into our urban spaces after hours.
We communicate the First Thursdays programme with a quarterly print map, and a monthly digital programme through the First Thursdays website, mailing list and social media channels. We focus on communicating a core cultural programme including art galleries, performances, and other cultural attractions, as well as retail stores, restaurants and bars. While most participants fall within the walkable hub of Cape Town's CBD, we do include standalone sites like Norval Foundation, Old Biscuit Mill, etc.
To participate in First Thursdays and list on our platforms, please email: info@thursdaysprojects.co.za
Participating for a full 3-month season includes being featured on the quarterly print map as well as our online channels, updated monthly. All participating venues receive a stack of print maps, which are also distributed to hotels, employers and other convenient locations around the central city.
Participating month-by-month includes being featured on our online channels. We suggest this option for once-off events, or for listings that have missed the current quarterly map run. Promoted social media posts are also available.
Participation in First Thursdays and listing on the official programme is broken up into two types: seasonal and monthly. This is valid for both Cape Town (CBD and East city) and Johannesburg (Braamfontein, Rosebank and Maboneng).
Art galleries + cultural attractions
| R 550 | monthly |
| R 1500 | seasonal |
| R | annual |
First Thursdays was started in Cape Town in 2012, and in Johannesburg in 2015. Inspired by similar initiatives in other cities around the world, the monthly event, taking place on the first Thursday of every month, is centred around a primary programme of art galleries and cultural attractions that are open to the public until late. The initiative is equally about access to the arts as it is about injecting life into our urban spaces after hours.