The Johannesburg Portal is hosted by Makers Valley, a neighborhood in Johannesburg that refers to the growing presence and activities of many forms of creative entrepreneurism in the area.
Makers Valley is home to artists, cultural practitioners, artisans, urban gardeners, carpenters, shoemakers, metal and woodworkers, clothing designers and others, who live and work in the Valley.
Building on the changemaking concept originally coined by Ashoka, activities are inspired by the conviction that progressive entrepreneurs and organizations mobilizing locally can help to propel systemic change within a well being economy.
The Portal at Makers Valley has been set up with the United Nations Museum. Makers Valley is a neighbourhood in Johannesburg inner city, just east of the CBD. It stretches from New Doornfontein to Bezuidenhout Valley, and includes Bertrams, Judith’s Paarl, Troyeville and Lorentzville. The name ‘Makers Valley’_ _refers to the growing presence and activities of many forms of creative entrepreneurism in the area. Artists, cultural practitioners, artisans, urban gardeners, carpenters, shoemakers, metal and woodworkers, clothing designers and others, live and work in the Valley. The evolving community culture builds on versions of the **[Makers Movement within the 4th Industrial Revolution](https://creativeconomy.britishcouncil.org/guide/go-make-something-growth-maker-movement/)** which encourages creativity, sharing, giving, learning, participation, mutual support and positive change. The concept and practice of _Change_making is key to many of the activities within the Valley. Building on the Changemaking concept originally coined by **[Ashoka](https://wellbeing.changemakers.com/#get-the-report)**, activities are inspired by the conviction that progressive entrepreneurs and organisations mobilising locally can help to propel systemic change within a **[Wellbeing Economy](https://wellbeingeconomy.org/)** framework.
It amazes me just how universal hip-hop has become. Here in America it was originally created as a means to express ourselves despite the forces oppressing us. Blacks had few ways to convey their thoughts publicly so we confused creativity with passion in hopes that the words in our hearts would be felt. Today I spoke with a man on the other side of the world who said that positive hip-hop is blooming where he lives in Afghanistan. It’s inspirational to say the least. I’m honored to be able to share my voice with the world. This portal is a gift, a treasure in time that I feel will one day be incredibly impacting! Javier S