The event was introduced to Cape Town in 2014 by Gareth Pearson who is responsible for several Cape Town initiatives such as the Cape Town Bicycle Commuter and East City Alley
Since its introduction, the event has brought change to both cities' central business district with restaurants, bars, food trucks and street performances joining in on the cultural idea - encouraging city dwellers to walk around areas that are usually quiet in the evening.
"In fact, most of the participating galleries have noted that at the monthly event they've seen a totally new crowd and a lot more people in those few hours than they would usually see on an ordinary day," mentioned Pearson.
The Stevenson Gallery and Kalashnikovv Gallery are two Joburg galleries that have found that there is a noticeable increase in walk-ins since their involvement.
"First Thursdays definitely attracted a far larger, more diverse crowd to the Stevenson. It was lovely to see people who wouldn't normally come out to our gallery, viewing and appreciating the art," said Gemma Garman of the Stevenson Gallery.
With some areas usually being quiet during the week, gallerists have found that with First Thursdays the area has become more alive.
"This initiative has brought a new energy to the area and attracted people that usually wouldn't come to this side of Johannesburg," said MJ Turpin, Director of the Kalashnikovv Gallery.
Matthew Dowdle, also a Director of Kalashnikovv Gallery, added that they have seen more of an increase of 'surburbanite' and or business professional types since the introduction of First Thursdays.
Pearson said the idea to bring First Thursday to South Africa came about after attending a First Thursday in London and the once-a-year event called Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums) held in Zurich, where all museums are open until late and tourists and citizen alike are able to explore these until the early hours of the morning. "It was just amazing. I like the idea of different attractions in the city at night beyond restaurants and bars," said Pearson.
