Nuart Aberdeen which bursts into glorious life this Thursday, June 8 can put claim to being the best street art festival in the world says the man behind the award-winning event.
“I have heard other people say it is the best street art festival in the world – and it really is,” said Martyn Reed, curator of Nuart both here in Aberdeen and Stavanger.
“Of course, I curate it, but to hear other people say that is the cherry on the cake. We do what we do anyway, we are authentic and do things for the right reasons, not for the accolades or ego, but, yes I would say it is the best street art festival in the world.”
And the success of Nuart Aberdeen, staged by Aberdeen Inspired, has put the Granite City firmly on the global cultural map, said Martyn, with directors of top European art museums flying in to embrace it.
“Aberdeen is slowly becoming the street art capital of the world, certainly Europe at the moment. I mean, to see these artists working at this level, they are MoMA, MOCA, museum of contemporary art quality artists” he said, referencing top galleries around the world.
Nuart Aberdeen will launch on Thursday, June 8 and run until Sunday, June 11, transforming the city centre into a huge canvas for 13 artists who will be transforming walls into spectacular murals and eye-catching artworks.
Working their magic will be some of the finest street artists from around the globe, such as Brazilian street artist Thiago Mazza and Swoon from the USA, as well as Aberdeen’s own KMG and Jamie Reid, who pioneered the artwork of the Sex Pistols and punk movement.
The walls they are working on range from the old Queen Street police station and walls on Flourmill Lane, Crooked Lane, Thistle Lane and Rose Street.
A full list of the artists for Nuart Aberdeen 2023 and an interactive map of the walls they will be transforming – as well as all the previous works – can be found at http://www.aberdeeninspired.com/festival/nuart-aberdeen/nuart-aberdeen-2023
Amidst the frenzy of work – which began last week – will be walking tours of Nuart Aberdeen works, old and new, as well as a mass public participation event to create the world’s largest chalk mural in the Quad at Marischal College.
There will also be a prestigious conference strand at Aberdeen Art Gallery with artists and cultural sector leaders discussing Nuart Aberdeen and its theme of Rewilding.
Martyn said this year’s Nuart Aberdeen – its sixth outing – will leave a legacy of stunning new work in the city, but also boost it as destination for visitors all year round.
He added that the people of Aberdeen have embraced Nuart since it first began in 2017 and he knows they will, be just as enthusiastic this year, encouraging people to engage with the street art festival.
“People are painting on the streets, they are in your hometown so this like inviting a guest into your home. If you see them come over and say ‘hello, what are you doing, where are your from, do you like it here?’,” he said.
“It’s not top down, we’re one of you and there are lots of ways to get involved. I’m sure people will find a way.”
Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said there is an air of excitement in the city with the arrival of Nuart Aberdeen.
“The artists have been busy transforming their walls since last week and we have seen how positive and enthusiastic a response there has been to their arrival, both on social media and from people talking about seeing them at work,” he said.
“It is one of the joys of Nuart Aberdeen that anyone and everyone is able to see these new masterpieces being created, from the original brush strokes through to the finished, stunning works.
“That enthusiasm and that willingness to embrace the festival and the artists underlines what is at the heart of Nuart Aberdeen – the way it can connect and transform communities and, indeed, the whole of the city.”
Adrian also underlined the importance of the economic impact of Nuart Aberdeen – a benefit which lasts well beyond the festival weekend.
“Nuart Aberdeen attracts thousands of people into the city centre when the festival is on and continues to attract them once it is over, with these brilliant artworks now a major draw. There is no doubt people come from across the North East, Scotland, the UK and much further afield to enjoy the legacy Nuart Aberdeen has created.”
Adrian chimed with Martyn’s call for people to come along and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere the festival while supporting local businesses.
“Nuart truly turns Aberdeen into a festival city and this weekend there is nowhere better to be. Come out and join a walking tour or take part in the Chalk Don’t Chalk event at Marischal Square, or come and see a world-class artist talking about their work.
“Whatever you choose to do, just come along and enjoy Nuart Aberdeen - it is your festival.”
Nuart Aberdeen centre It is a not-for-profit event supported by partners Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council, delivered by Reed Projects.
Councillor Martin Greig, education convener and culture spokesman for Aberdeen City Council, said it is great to welcome Nuart Aberdeen back to the city.
“We can once again enjoy new work in various local places by artists and designers of international standing. Their imaginative creations add so much to our public life. Everyone can enjoy the artworks during the festival and into the future”.
The Nuart Aberdeen walking tours are always hugely popular on the weekend of the festival, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
They will run from Marischal College on Saturday at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm and Sunday and 2pm and 3pm. Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
For details of the tours and all aspect of Nuart Aberdeen 2023, visit https://www.aberdeeninspired.com/festival/nuart-aberdeen/nuart-aberdeen-2023