Forming part of the SCMDs annual Art Programme and developed in collaboration with AAW Art Project Management, the Heritage Exhibition will launch on 1 September. Supervised by social-researcher, curator and publisher Marie Human, the public will be able to view the district's rich history throughout the month of September. Human has facilitated and coordinated numerous social historical exhibitions both locally and internationally. Her experience, combined with the collective photographic works of South African artists, will ensure that the public celebrates Sandton Central's heritage through phenomenal artistic visual expression. Paul van Rooyen, City Improvement District Manager for the SCMD says, "During the month of September, visitors to Sandton Central will be exposed to more than forty dynamic images depicting the district's complex history dating back as far as 30 000 years."

The exhibition will portray the area's history over three distinctive time periods. The first era will focus on pre-history and covers early Tswana and Voortrekker communities, farming and water resources as well as the development of the Alexandra Township.

'From Ground Zero to Edge City' is the second era which represents the rise of the district amidst the turmoil, fear and political unrest which existed in the country at the time.

The final period is aptly named 'From Edge City to Economic Powerhouse'. The decay of the Johannesburg CBD saw the surrounding districts experience phenomenal growth. The construction of Sandton City acted as a catalyst for development in the district as many influential businesses, banks and legal firms relocated to the area. This expansion was further spurred by the moving of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) to Sandton Central.

"Today, Sandton Central is not only a prime spot for property investment, but is also the perfect place for entertainment, shopping and the celebration of South Africa's cultural diversity. I would like to encourage all South Africans to join us as we celebrate the legacy of the district and most importantly, the fascinating journey that has led us to becoming a free nation which embraces the individual differences that make this country great," concludes van Rooyen.