An exciting line-up of artists, including the internationally acclaimed Thiago Mazza (Brazil), Swoon (USA) and UK-based artist Stanley Donwood and artist duo SNIK, will descend on the Granite City this June to create murals and art on the city’s walls as part of Nuart Aberdeen.
In total 13 globally renowned street artists hailing from Brazil, the USA, Europe, the UK and Iran will come together to create breath-taking pieces of street art using walls in Aberdeen city centre as the canvas for their work.
The line up of artists revealed for the 2023 festival, which runs from Thursday, June 8 until Sunday, June 11 will draw inspiration for their creations from the festival’s ‘Rewilding’ theme and will come together in the city with the common aim of strengthening the connection of people and communities to the city through their art.
The award-winning festival, made possible by partnership from Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council, has so far resulted in more than 50 stunning works spread across the city centre and it is expected that the contributions of this year’s artists will further elevate and enhance the reputation of Aberdeen as a leading street art destination.
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “What we have unveiled today is a world class line up of street artists for our world class festival.
“Since its launch in 2017 Nuart Aberdeen has grown in significance and scale, resulting in the city now being one of the most highly ranked places to visit and take in the best street art around the globe.
“The festival is highly respected amongst the street artist community. Whilst artists leave their mark for us to enjoy, they take with them fond memories and stories to tell others about the Granite City and the part they have played in adding to its rich cultural heritage.
“Notably, Nuart Aberdeen delivers so much more than outstanding art on our great city’s walls, it also delivers significant benefits to businesses, community groups and individuals. Since its conception the involvement of communities and building legacy has sat at its core. Over the years the artists have worked with hundreds of locals to create and explore the festival’s theme, with the most iconic being the work of the ‘Grafitti Grannies’ back in 2019 which can still be seen in the Adelphi today. This year will be no different and we will soon announce how hundreds of young people can get involved in making their mark as part of this year’s event.
“Nuart Aberdeen connects people to place, it brings people into the city centre all year to enjoy Aberdeen’s unique open air art gallery. I am excited to see what unfolds this year and we look forward to welcoming the artists and crew to Aberdeen in June.”
Nuart’s curator and creator Martyn Reed added: “Looking at this year’s programme, I couldn’t be happier, it’s testament to the hard work from all involved and the welcome that Aberdeen’s citizens have given to Nuart these past years, that without exception, everyone we reach out to, says yes, they’d love to come to the city.
“Word has spread, and continues to do so, about just what an incredibly unique and authentic city and project we’ve created together. And despite greater societal issues and the challenges faced by the high street, we hope to continue contributing to shifting things, however incrementally, towards a richer, fairer and more inclusive relationship to art and culture. I can’t wait to get started on 2023.”
Anyone wanting to get a flavour of the festival before visiting can view the current murals on Aberdeen Inspired’s website and use the interactive map to view them online or plan a self-guided tour route. - Murals (aberdeeninspired.com).