Nuart Aberdeen will burst into life today with a unique launch event, unveiling a keenly-anticipated new work by acclaimed Scottish artist Robert Montgomery.
His 11-metre long illuminated poem is a signature piece for this year’s festival and will be revealed in a special ceremony at the iconic Bon Accord Baths – including “something special” to create a stunning and ethereal atmosphere.
Meanwhile, organisers have revealed more walls and spaces to be canvases, as 13 artists are already at work transforming the cityscape for Scotland’s national street art festival running until Sunday, April 26.
These include a bonus work from Robert Montgomery – a mural at Alford Place – plus a showstopping piece at the George Street entrance to the Bon Accord Centre by acclaimed artist Remi Rough.
In addition, several artists will be going on a City Wide Treasure Hunt creating smaller works at undisclosed spots across the city centre to create “everyday moments of curiosity”.
Martyn Reed, curator for Nuart Aberdeen - which is staged by Aberdeen Inspired in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and supported by Finnies – said the launch event at Bon Accord Baths would be a night to remember.
Martyn said: “For the first time in the last nine years we’ll be presenting our first indoor installation, Robert and I have been working on this since summer and as usual it’s spiralled into something far more significant and larger than we’d initially envisaged. I don’t want to give too much away, only to say we’ve pulled out all the stops for this and it’s one not to missed.”
Martyn said he was delighted to welcome Robert Montgomery back to Nuart Aberdeen - he was one of the artists for its first outing in 2017 with his spectacular mural on Jopps Lane – and said his new work was particularly significant.
“Robert embodies everything about this year's theme – Poetry Is In The Streets - and he was the first artist I reached out to. He occupies a unique position between the streets and the art world, between poetry and power.”
Robert is also creating a mural which will take pride of place at Alford Place, viewable from Thistle Street.
Martyn said: “It’s important to me that our work leaves a legacy, and the Baths project is a little more ephemeral, so I really wanted a new piece for those that for whatever reason won’t experience the Baths project, also for visitors to experience of course.”
The launch event will be at 8pm on Wednesday at Bon Accord Baths and is free to attend.
And Martyn hopes the buzz about Nuart Aberdeen will continue after the launch night.
“Take photos, make memories, talk to your kids and each other about poetry and art, it’s the country of Burns and the City of Byron. A proud beautiful city with a fascinating history that’s talked down far too much, talk the place up.
“It’s a very special place and we’re honoured to have the privilege of adding to its history. It will be our tenth anniversary in Aberdeen next year which is incredible considering we were initially warned that Aberdonians were sceptical of art, we’ve found them to be quite the opposite and we’re incredibly grateful for their support. At the end of the day, it’s just art, enjoy it.
Nuart Aberdeen will see 13 acclaimed artists at work for this year’s festival which has a theme of Poetry Is In The Streets.
They are working their magic on sites ranging from the side of the Chapel Street car park to the gable end of the Merkur Casino on Summer Street.
One mural is already completed – KMG's stunning blackbird at the Cruickshank Botanical Garden on the University of Aberdeen’s campus in Old Aberdeen. KMG now pivots to be a producer for the festival.
Additional walls revealed today are:
- George Street entrance to the Bon Accord Centre – a mural by Remi Rough.
- Alford Place (viewed from Thistle Place) - a mural by Robert Montgomery
- Skene Street across from Gilmcomstoun School - a large scale poem by Aberdeen artist V2K
- Little Belmont Street - a “Poetry House” created by The Writing Is On The Wall, a temporary installation at the former Little Belmont Hut.
- Various walls and spaces with small-scale, site-specific works by a variety of Nuart Aberdeen artists to be discovered during the weekend.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The Granite City is always transformed into a true festival city over the Nuart Aberdeen weekend, with people flocking in to discover the wonderful new works being created by richly talented artists. Like them, I can’t wait to see the end result.
“Not only will Nuart fans – old and new – enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, they will also enjoy the restaurants, bars, retail and other attractions in the city centre, supporting local. The beauty of Nuart is that its appeal isn’t just for one weekend. These murals attract visitors all year round as Aberdeen builds its reputation as Scotland’s city of murals.”
Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “It is wonderful to see Nuart Aberdeen return, bringing all ages together and filling spaces across the city with stunning murals from talented artists from across the country.
“The festival not only celebrates the artistic talents of individuals but also fosters a sense of pride and community spirit, making Aberdeen an even more welcoming and vibrant place to live and visit.”
Dominique Dawson, director of Finnies, said: “I am thrilled that Nuart, recognised globally as one of the leading street festivals, returns to Aberdeen this Wednesday.
“My hope is that the festival encourages everyone to enjoy the amazing artworks being presented whilst exploring the streets and forgotten corners of the city.”
The Nuart Aberdeen weekend will again feature its hugely popular guided tours, which attract hundreds of people keen to discover works old and new. The tours are free but places need to be booked in advance via Aberdeen Box Office.
Also, Festival artist Alisa Oleva will lead a series of walking tours that reframe Aberdeen as something to be read, heard and responded to. These aren’t traditional tours, they are immersive experiences that align closely with the conceptual side of Nuart Plus. The tours are free but must be booked in advance at Aberdeen Box Office.
Nuart Aberdeen will also be a key part of this weekend’s Big Belmont Bash on Saturday, including the new “Poetry House” work on Little Belmont Street and other Nuart Aberdeen twists to the free event’s mix of family-fun, games and music.
Running alongside the street art festival is Nuart Plus, consisting of an internationally recognised street art conference – this year supported by the University of Aberdeen - artist presentations, panel debates, workshops, education programs, film screenings and more, as well as fun pub debates and DJ sessions. You can find out more about Nuart Plus here.
Adrian Watson, said: “The education strand and this special conference, gathering top experts from across the globe, is what sets Nuart Aberdeen apart from other street art festivals.
“It is a chance for academics, curator and artists to gather together to share their vision and knowledge, while promoting street art culture and its development.”
You can find out more about Nuart Aberdeen at the Aberdeen Inspired website.