Norwood’s creative oasis

Founded in 2013, the space has morphed itself into Norwood’s very own creative oasis – a meeting place for creative minds, businesses and budding brands. Chairman of The Factory on Grant’s board, Shorai Kaseke shared, “The key distinction is that this is a natural and (un) sanitised urban environment – this is the real, lived vanity that characterises places where people live.

“This is how our cities and streets should be. It’s very important that we’re here and there’s no notion of excluding people – it’s open to everybody. It’s about an openness and honesty about how space is used and how this establishment couldn’t exist inside a mall.”

Looking at the rawness of the whole space, you can’t help but feel at home as you freely explore the Factory – from grabbing a hearty meal at Ndawo Yummy to browsing through the boutique stores and ending up at the Crafters rooftop bar for a scenic view of Joburg while sipping on some sundowners – this speaks to the journey that the space tries to take people on.

“That’s the space we’re trying to create, where the biggest part of it is to allow for the art of expressing yourself – whether it’s a book, poetry, comedy, visual art or designing. That’s really the space we’re trying to create. It is that creative oasis,” added Nokuthula Ngonyama, The Factory on Grant’s executive director.

Staying true to its spirit of openness and creative expression, the Factory’s Marquee is a blank canvas that’s open to anything – from pop-up events, gin picnics, meet- and greets as well as events personally curated by the public.

According to Ngonyama, “The Marquee is open to all forms of creativity. It’s really open and we don’t want to exclude, obviously, we do not allow things that are not helping our communities. Things that promote art and allow people to express themselves are things that we’re open to.” Kaseke said the Factory’s primary principle is to invite people to take ownership of the space, make it their own and give it their own unique expression.

“Norwood is renowned as a Jewish community. “The reality is that it’s a lot more diverse and when you actually look at it there are communities in Norwood that are invisible – from a cultural perspective. What we want to do is also tell the story of other communities that live in this neighbourhood. “This place has been a melting pot of cultures, so what we’re aiming to do in running this establishment is to plate more than just food.”

One of the anchor spaces in the Factory, Ndawo Yummy, is a hit with locals and is popular for its delectable Afro-fusion cuisine which is accompanied by interactive activities and performances such as live music, stand-up comedy, slam poetry, art classes, quiz and game shows. “It’s an extension of the invitation for people to come and craft their own experiences of what dining centered around African cuisine should be. In that way, we are continuously adding to how community is understood,” concluded Kaseke.

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