Celebrating Street Art and Culture: A Weekend of Festivals in Belfast

Belfast, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, recently played host to a weekend packed with festivities that celebrated street art, comedy, circus performances, and arts and culture. Among the highlights were the renowned Hit the North (HTN) Festival, the Festival of Fools, and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

Sr Papa Chango

Established a decade ago as part of efforts to rejuvenate the North Street area of Belfast, Hit the North has become a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s street art scene. Directed by Adam Turkington, the festival has evolved significantly over the years, attracting over 200 artists from around the world. From May 1st to May 5th, the streets of Belfast were transformed into a canvas for creativity, as internationally acclaimed artists like Veks Van Hillik, Dalal, Sophi Odling, Solus, Lydia Cao, Sr Papa Chango, Zabou and Yazan Mesmar, brought their unique styles to life.

The culmination of the weeklong celebration was the ‘Block Party’ on Sunday, May 5th, where spectators immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoying music, food trucks, and refreshments while witnessing murals taking shape before their eyes. Additionally, Seedhead Arts premiered a film documenting the festival’s tenth anniversary, showcasing its journey and impact on Belfast’s cultural landscape.

Lucie Flynn

Zabou

Coinciding with Hit the North were two other cultural extravaganzas, the Festival of Fools and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. The Festival of Fools, held from May 4th to May 6th, is the largest comedy, circus, and outdoor arts festival on the island of Ireland. Founded by the late Will Chamberlain, the festival embodies the spirit of inclusivity and joy, with over 70 performances captivating audiences on the streets of Belfast’s City Centre and Cathedral Quarter.

On the other hand, the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, established in 1999, has been a driving force behind the cultural revitalization of Belfast’s north side. From its humble beginnings of 45 events over 7 days, the festival has grown into an 11-day extravaganza, featuring over 150 shows across 30 venues. It has played a pivotal role in the development of new music and cultural spaces, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the Cathedral Quarter.

Dalal

Both festivals share a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement. They offer a platform for artists, performers, and audiences to come together, transcending barriers and celebrating the diverse tapestry of Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage. As Belfast continues to evolve as a cultural hub, these festivals serve as beacons of creativity, fostering connections and inspiring generations to come.

Images by Hannah Judah.

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The post Celebrating Street Art and Culture: A Weekend of Festivals in Belfast first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Celebrating Street Art and Culture: A Weekend of Festivals in Belfast

Belfast, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, recently played host to a weekend packed with festivities that celebrated street art, comedy, circus performances, and arts and culture. Among the highlights were the renowned Hit the North (HTN) Festival, the Festival of Fools, and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

Sr Papa Chango

Established a decade ago as part of efforts to rejuvenate the North Street area of Belfast, Hit the North has become a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s street art scene. Directed by Adam Turkington, the festival has evolved significantly over the years, attracting over 200 artists from around the world. From May 1st to May 5th, the streets of Belfast were transformed into a canvas for creativity, as internationally acclaimed artists like Veks Van Hillik, Dalal, Sophi Odling, Solus, Lydia Cao, Sr Papa Chango, Zabou and Yazan Mesmar, brought their unique styles to life.

The culmination of the weeklong celebration was the ‘Block Party’ on Sunday, May 5th, where spectators immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, enjoying music, food trucks, and refreshments while witnessing murals taking shape before their eyes. Additionally, Seedhead Arts premiered a film documenting the festival’s tenth anniversary, showcasing its journey and impact on Belfast’s cultural landscape.

Lucie Flynn

Zabou

Coinciding with Hit the North were two other cultural extravaganzas, the Festival of Fools and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. The Festival of Fools, held from May 4th to May 6th, is the largest comedy, circus, and outdoor arts festival on the island of Ireland. Founded by the late Will Chamberlain, the festival embodies the spirit of inclusivity and joy, with over 70 performances captivating audiences on the streets of Belfast’s City Centre and Cathedral Quarter.

On the other hand, the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, established in 1999, has been a driving force behind the cultural revitalization of Belfast’s north side. From its humble beginnings of 45 events over 7 days, the festival has grown into an 11-day extravaganza, featuring over 150 shows across 30 venues. It has played a pivotal role in the development of new music and cultural spaces, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the Cathedral Quarter.

Dalal

Both festivals share a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement. They offer a platform for artists, performers, and audiences to come together, transcending barriers and celebrating the diverse tapestry of Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage. As Belfast continues to evolve as a cultural hub, these festivals serve as beacons of creativity, fostering connections and inspiring generations to come.

Images by Hannah Judah.

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The post Celebrating Street Art and Culture: A Weekend of Festivals in Belfast first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Nuart Aberdeen 2024: A Fusion of Art, Debate, and Celebration

From June 6th to June 9th, the vibrant city of Aberdeen will once again play host to the internationally acclaimed Nuart Festival, bringing together artists, academics, and enthusiasts to explore the dynamic world of contemporary street art. Established in 2011, Nuart Plus, the festival’s educational arm, offers a diverse program of events, including artist presentations, panel debates, workshops, and film screenings, alongside the main festival showcasing physical art productions.

Martyn Reed, the founder and curator of Nuart, describes Nuart Plus as a platform for engaging discussions and collaborations among a global community of artists, academics, and cultural professionals. It serves as a nexus for exploring the multifaceted nature of street art, blending entertainment with education to delve into its socio-cultural significance and artistic innovation.

The festival kicks off with a compelling double bill featuring festival artist Hera in conversation with cultural critic Carlo McCormick, followed by the UK premiere of “Banksy, The Stolen Girl/La Ragazza Triste” with an introduction by Dr. Enrico Bonadio. This sets the stage for a series of thought-provoking discussions and debates over the following days.

Day 1 of the Street Art Conference delves into the theme of “Living Heritage,” addressing topics such as the preservation of street art under heritage law and the concept of ‘fame’ in graffiti as a form of intangible cultural heritage. The program also explores the notion of ‘bad street art’ as an everyday form of heritage and the importance of safeguarding street art within communities.

One of the highlights of Nuart Plus is the lively pub debate, where two teams engage in spirited discussions on hot topics in street art culture. This year’s topic, “THE STREET IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE MUSEUM,” promises to ignite passionate exchanges among participants and audience members alike.

Day 2 of the Street Art Conference focuses on “Intangible Cultural Heritage,” offering audiences the opportunity to meet festival artists and delve into the history of flyposting and its intersection with street art’s evolution. The program culminates with a keynote speech by cultural critic Carlo McCormick, exploring the festival theme of living heritage in a fireside chat format.

The festival concludes with a celebratory closing party F*CK ART, LET’S DANCE , featuring an eclectic mix of music genres and performances, marking the end of another successful edition of Nuart Aberdeen. Additionally, guided street art walking tours and interactive events like “Chalk Don’t Chalk” offer opportunities for audiences of all ages to engage with the festival’s artistic offerings.

With a lineup of internationally renowned artists and speakers, including Addam Yekutieli, Bahia Shehab, and Carlo McCormick, among others, Nuart Festival Aberdeen 2024 promises to be a dynamic and enriching experience for participants and attendees alike. As Aberdeen transforms into a canvas for creativity and discourse, Nuart continues to push the boundaries of street art, sparking conversations and inspiring communities worldwide.

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NUART 2024 ARTISTS
Addam Yekutieli aka Know Hope (IL / PS) @thisislimbo
Bahia Shehab (LB / EG) @bahiashehab
Case Maclaim (DE) @case_maclaim
CBloxx (UK) @cbloxx_nomad
Hera (DE / PK) @hera_herakut
KMG (SC – UK) @kmgyeah
Mahn Kloix (FR) @mahnkloix
Millo (IT) @_millo_
Molly Hankinson (UK) @mollyhankinson.studio
Niels Shoe Meulman (NL) @nielsshoemeulman
Wasted Rita (PT) @wastedrita

NUART 2024 SPEAKERS
Addam Yekutieli aka Know Hope (IL / PS) @thisislimbo
Adrian Burnham (UK) @flyingleaps2016
Arne Vilhelm Tellefsen (NO) @vlekart
Prof. Bahia Shehab (LB / EG) @bahiashehab
Carlo McCormick (US)
David Roos (NL) @droos86
Dr. Enrico Bonadio (IT / UK) @enricobonadio
Dr. Erik Hannerz (SE) @erikhannerz | @research.and.destroy
Evan Pricco (US) @epricco
Prof. Ilaria Hoppe (DE / AT) @ilaria_2211
Sami Wakim (US) @streetartunitedstates
Stuart Holdsworth (UK) @inspiringcity
Susan Hansen (AU / UK) @suse.hansen
Tim Horrox (UK) @buildhollywood
Tim Marschang (BE) @streetartcities

The post Nuart Aberdeen 2024: A Fusion of Art, Debate, and Celebration first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Nuart Aberdeen 2024: A Fusion of Art, Debate, and Celebration

From June 6th to June 9th, the vibrant city of Aberdeen will once again play host to the internationally acclaimed Nuart Festival, bringing together artists, academics, and enthusiasts to explore the dynamic world of contemporary street art. Established in 2011, Nuart Plus, the festival’s educational arm, offers a diverse program of events, including artist presentations, panel debates, workshops, and film screenings, alongside the main festival showcasing physical art productions.

Martyn Reed, the founder and curator of Nuart, describes Nuart Plus as a platform for engaging discussions and collaborations among a global community of artists, academics, and cultural professionals. It serves as a nexus for exploring the multifaceted nature of street art, blending entertainment with education to delve into its socio-cultural significance and artistic innovation.

The festival kicks off with a compelling double bill featuring festival artist Hera in conversation with cultural critic Carlo McCormick, followed by the UK premiere of “Banksy, The Stolen Girl/La Ragazza Triste” with an introduction by Dr. Enrico Bonadio. This sets the stage for a series of thought-provoking discussions and debates over the following days.

Day 1 of the Street Art Conference delves into the theme of “Living Heritage,” addressing topics such as the preservation of street art under heritage law and the concept of ‘fame’ in graffiti as a form of intangible cultural heritage. The program also explores the notion of ‘bad street art’ as an everyday form of heritage and the importance of safeguarding street art within communities.

One of the highlights of Nuart Plus is the lively pub debate, where two teams engage in spirited discussions on hot topics in street art culture. This year’s topic, “THE STREET IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE MUSEUM,” promises to ignite passionate exchanges among participants and audience members alike.

Day 2 of the Street Art Conference focuses on “Intangible Cultural Heritage,” offering audiences the opportunity to meet festival artists and delve into the history of flyposting and its intersection with street art’s evolution. The program culminates with a keynote speech by cultural critic Carlo McCormick, exploring the festival theme of living heritage in a fireside chat format.

The festival concludes with a celebratory closing party F*CK ART, LET’S DANCE , featuring an eclectic mix of music genres and performances, marking the end of another successful edition of Nuart Aberdeen. Additionally, guided street art walking tours and interactive events like “Chalk Don’t Chalk” offer opportunities for audiences of all ages to engage with the festival’s artistic offerings.

With a lineup of internationally renowned artists and speakers, including Addam Yekutieli, Bahia Shehab, and Carlo McCormick, among others, Nuart Festival Aberdeen 2024 promises to be a dynamic and enriching experience for participants and attendees alike. As Aberdeen transforms into a canvas for creativity and discourse, Nuart continues to push the boundaries of street art, sparking conversations and inspiring communities worldwide.

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NUART 2024 ARTISTS
Addam Yekutieli aka Know Hope (IL / PS) @thisislimbo
Bahia Shehab (LB / EG) @bahiashehab
Case Maclaim (DE) @case_maclaim
CBloxx (UK) @cbloxx_nomad
Hera (DE / PK) @hera_herakut
KMG (SC – UK) @kmgyeah
Mahn Kloix (FR) @mahnkloix
Millo (IT) @_millo_
Molly Hankinson (UK) @mollyhankinson.studio
Niels Shoe Meulman (NL) @nielsshoemeulman
Wasted Rita (PT) @wastedrita

NUART 2024 SPEAKERS
Addam Yekutieli aka Know Hope (IL / PS) @thisislimbo
Adrian Burnham (UK) @flyingleaps2016
Arne Vilhelm Tellefsen (NO) @vlekart
Prof. Bahia Shehab (LB / EG) @bahiashehab
Carlo McCormick (US)
David Roos (NL) @droos86
Dr. Enrico Bonadio (IT / UK) @enricobonadio
Dr. Erik Hannerz (SE) @erikhannerz | @research.and.destroy
Evan Pricco (US) @epricco
Prof. Ilaria Hoppe (DE / AT) @ilaria_2211
Sami Wakim (US) @streetartunitedstates
Stuart Holdsworth (UK) @inspiringcity
Susan Hansen (AU / UK) @suse.hansen
Tim Horrox (UK) @buildhollywood
Tim Marschang (BE) @streetartcities

The post Nuart Aberdeen 2024: A Fusion of Art, Debate, and Celebration first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Paint the Change: Empowering Youth Through Art for Social and Environmental Justice

In the heart of London, a charity with a vibrant vision was born in 2015. Paint the Change, a registered charity, embarked on a mission to fuse social change with the dynamic medium of street art. Since its inception, this organization has transcended borders, producing over 50 murals across every continent. With a potent blend of youth engagement, public art, and awareness campaigns, Paint the Change has sparked conversations, captivated millions through social media, and adorned neighborhoods with poignant messages.

A collaboration with Love E15 in West Ham, London – Mural Painted by Atma.

At the core of Paint the Change’s ethos lies a commitment to empowering youth and fostering dialogue on pressing societal issues. Through a series of workshops, young people from diverse communities are not just educated but actively involved in discussions on topics ranging from diversity and mental health to racism, education rights, and climate change. Guided by local educators and artists, these workshops serve as incubators for ideas, allowing participants to articulate their thoughts and emotions through visual expression.

The culmination of these workshops is awe-inspiring: monumental works of art that transcend mere aesthetics, becoming integral parts of the neighborhoods they adorn. Each mural tells a story, echoing the voices of the community and embedding itself into the fabric of its surroundings. From bustling city streets to remote villages, Paint the Change leaves an indelible mark, both visually and emotionally.

Curiosity by Maja Stojanovic (Zmaja) in Bor, Serbia

In its relentless pursuit of social and environmental justice, Paint the Change has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative: Youth Art for the Earth. Collaborating with regional organizations in France, Serbia, and Slovenia, this project harnesses the creative energy of 150 youth across six cities to ignite public discourse on environmental issues. Through intensive workshops, young participants delve into the local impacts of climate change, exploring its effects on their communities.

Respiration by Atma in Montargis, France

What sets Youth Art for the Earth apart is its hands-on approach. Participants collaborate with local street artists to conceptualize and execute murals that serve as visual testaments to their commitment to environmental stewardship. From Bor, Serbia, to Montargis, France, and Ljubljana, Slovenia, these murals stand as beacons of hope and catalysts for change.

Paint the Change doesn’t just paint walls; it paints a vision of a better world—one where art becomes a catalyst for conversation, awareness, and advocacy. Through its innovative projects and unwavering dedication, this charity proves that the power of art knows no bounds. As the colors blend and the messages resonate, Paint the Change continues to inspire, uplift, and transform communities, one mural at a time.

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The post Paint the Change: Empowering Youth Through Art for Social and Environmental Justice first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states

Paint the Change: Empowering Youth Through Art for Social and Environmental Justice

In the heart of London, a charity with a vibrant vision was born in 2015. Paint the Change, a registered charity, embarked on a mission to fuse social change with the dynamic medium of street art. Since its inception, this organization has transcended borders, producing over 50 murals across every continent. With a potent blend of youth engagement, public art, and awareness campaigns, Paint the Change has sparked conversations, captivated millions through social media, and adorned neighborhoods with poignant messages.

A collaboration with Love E15 in West Ham, London – Mural Painted by Atma.

At the core of Paint the Change’s ethos lies a commitment to empowering youth and fostering dialogue on pressing societal issues. Through a series of workshops, young people from diverse communities are not just educated but actively involved in discussions on topics ranging from diversity and mental health to racism, education rights, and climate change. Guided by local educators and artists, these workshops serve as incubators for ideas, allowing participants to articulate their thoughts and emotions through visual expression.

The culmination of these workshops is awe-inspiring: monumental works of art that transcend mere aesthetics, becoming integral parts of the neighborhoods they adorn. Each mural tells a story, echoing the voices of the community and embedding itself into the fabric of its surroundings. From bustling city streets to remote villages, Paint the Change leaves an indelible mark, both visually and emotionally.

Curiosity by Maja Stojanovic (Zmaja) in Bor, Serbia

In its relentless pursuit of social and environmental justice, Paint the Change has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative: Youth Art for the Earth. Collaborating with regional organizations in France, Serbia, and Slovenia, this project harnesses the creative energy of 150 youth across six cities to ignite public discourse on environmental issues. Through intensive workshops, young participants delve into the local impacts of climate change, exploring its effects on their communities.

Respiration by Atma in Montargis, France

What sets Youth Art for the Earth apart is its hands-on approach. Participants collaborate with local street artists to conceptualize and execute murals that serve as visual testaments to their commitment to environmental stewardship. From Bor, Serbia, to Montargis, France, and Ljubljana, Slovenia, these murals stand as beacons of hope and catalysts for change.

Paint the Change doesn’t just paint walls; it paints a vision of a better world—one where art becomes a catalyst for conversation, awareness, and advocacy. Through its innovative projects and unwavering dedication, this charity proves that the power of art knows no bounds. As the colors blend and the messages resonate, Paint the Change continues to inspire, uplift, and transform communities, one mural at a time.

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The post Paint the Change: Empowering Youth Through Art for Social and Environmental Justice first appeared on street art united states.
by Sami Wakim via street art united states