NEWTOWN, Johannesburg is set to come alive with the sounds and sights of the annual Arts Alive September Festival, which boasts an array of compelling artistic offerings for Joburg residents to indulge in!

Kicking off on August 31, the festivities will continue throughout the month of September, and include artistic programmes from a diverse set of disciplines – theatre, dance, film, comedy, music and the visual arts.

The annual festival, hosted by the City of Johannesburg, has become synonymous with an exceptional, accessible and engaging artistic programme that harnesses artistic talent from various parts of the world to create an incredible smorgasbord of cultural events.

True to tradition, this years Arts Alive September Festival has secured the services of musical giants such as Cuba's Illeades, the founding member of the Buena Vista Social Club, Indian Ocean from India, and South Africa's own Don Laka, Jimmy Dludlu, Zamajobe, Simphiwe Dana.

The programme includes a must-see visual arts installation that looks the importance of promoting sustainable energy sources. This topical and unusual exhibition will make use of unconventional display spaces, and re-cycled everyday electric bulbs to educate citizens' of Gauteng on the importance of being 'green'. A group of young Sowetans is taking a conscious energy saving stand in the public arena. Using energy consuming light bulbs and other recycled material these artists are bringing energy issues into the public sphere by making life size sculptures from recycled material that will initially be placed along the grass islands on Old Potch Road and after September will be donated to various parks in Soweto.

Strong as ever is the collaboration between the City of Johannesburg and the Indian Consulate General with the Shared Histories programme. Shared Histories starts its September programme with a grand Bollywood style extravaganza at the Market Theatre, and goes from strength to strength. A sensory feast of sound, sights, smells and taste – the Shared Histories programme will not disappoint.

The dance element of Arts is an exemplar of the international flavour that the Arts Alive brand has become known for – there will be two French dance companies, one from Switzerland, one from Indian and several prominent South African acts.

As always, Arts Alive has edgy, contemporary and global content. The South African poets include Bianca Williams, Ewok and Khoi Konnexion. Others on the line up include: Cosmas Mairosi (Zimbabwe), Roger Bonair-Agard (USA), Imani Woomera (Kenya), Nastio Mosquito (Angola), Outspoken (Zimbabwe) and Tamika Harper AKA Georgia Me (USA).

AFDA will host their International Student Film Festival, celebrating South Africa's youthful film talent, while the CIT:Y Festival will pioneer collaborations between tertiary institutions involved in the creative arts and Arts Alive. Participating institutions include the University of Johannesburg, Wits, AFDA, Greenside Design Centre, Damelin, Newtown Creative Industries, FUBA and the Design Centre.

Comedy is back on the Arts Alive line up. This year the show will be presented by John Vlismas and will debut several new South African acts.

The streets of Newtown will rock to the sounds of DJ Krush, Plum DJs, SA DJs, Desmond and the Tutus, a German hip-hop act, Therapy. And all the other venues will be programmed with exciting line-ups.

About Arts Alive
Arts Alive is an annual programme of cultural events hosted by the City of Johannesburg and sponsored by Arts, Culture and Heritage in the city.

Arts Alive promotes seven Art generes: music, theatre, visual arts, dance, comedy, poetry and film.

Arts Alive is composed of two equally importants parts, regular Arts Alive events and an annual September Festival.

Through its rich programme, Arts Alive aims to be the most acknowledged host of all quality cultural activities in the city of Johannesburg.

This year's programme boasts hip hop, theatre, jazz, symphony, children's festival, emerging artists and a collage of other events.

Arts Alive is about expanding horizons and improving the quality of life for the residents of Johannesburg. The diversity of the 2008 programme is a testimont to our commitment to bringing new experiences to new audiences, while also providing a platform and exposure to new artists.

Since its inception 15 years ago the festival has grown to become one of the most popular events on the City's events calendar. The festival brings together the residents of Johannesburg to enjoy the warmth of the spring air, the diversity of our cultures, and the sounds of extraordinary performers.

Arts Alive is committed to:

• Improving the quality of lives of the residents of Johannesburg
• Promoting the mayoral priorities
• Expanding cultural experiences for audiences
• Expanding opportunities for performers
• Respect for creativity
• Encouraging reflection
• Enjoying diversity
• Promoting excellence