Aubrey Moloto, a local entrepreneur, has spearheaded the Melville Art Mile, a monthly evening event inspired by global street festivals. Piloted in December 2025, it connects shops, galleries, and eateries along a route in Johannesburg's bohemian suburb. The initiative aims to foster community collaboration and highlight creative spaces.
In Johannesburg's Melville suburb, known for its blend of vintage charm and modern creativity, the Melville Art Mile has emerged as a new monthly event on the first Thursdays. Aubrey Moloto, a writer, videographer, and entrepreneur born and raised in the area, conceived the idea to revive the neighborhood's spirit post-pandemic.
Moloto returned to Melville during lockdown after pursuing opportunities in music and film. He launched Snaps On Seventh, a media startup, and became a street photographer, later creating the Melville Untold newsletter to spotlight local businesses and talent. This work connected him with community leaders, leading to weekly gallery exhibitions, events, and workshops.
A key milestone came in March 2024 with The Happening, a festival organized by residents and businesses that promoted collaboration through family activities, clean-ups, and upgrades. Inspired by Cape Town's First Thursdays in Mitchells Plain and Bree Street Sundays' car-free streets, Moloto adapted these concepts for Melville. "That’s when I thought we could bring the two ideas together in Melville," he said. "It was all about breaking down the silos, about bringing the First Thursdays idea here and making Melville’s comeback being centred on creativity."
The Art Mile route stretches from Chatou Road in Richmond to 7th Street, 4th Avenue, and Main Road, featuring spots like Die Pienk Kerk, Melville Mansions, The Sourcery coffee shop, Resource Gallery, and the rebranded Joburg Artist Market. Visitors can walk, drive, or use tuk-tuks to explore murals, graffiti, artworks, historic buildings, cafés, and cocktail venues.
"It may have been my idea, but it was always going to be a project for the community by the community," Moloto emphasized. He credits his ability to connect people, honed through initiatives like Melville Unlocked: Voices of our Village in the Jozi My Jozi Walks project, for bringing stakeholders together.
