Nuart Aberdeen fans can relive the magic and excitement of this year’s street art festival with a stunning new video – as figures from a survey underline the success and popularity of the event.
The new film captures key moments from the Nuart Aberdeen festival weekend in June – including top artists such as Cbloxx and KMG at work, kids having a ball at the Chalk Don’t Chalk family-fun event and hundreds of people enjoying walking tours of the murals.
It ends with stunning aerial footage of Hera’s massive work on Union Point at the harbour, with the cityscape of Aberdeen behind – an image that has become an instantly iconic view, synonymous with the Granite City.
The video was release along with figures from a post-festival survey conducted by Aberdeen Inspired – which stages the event in partnership with Aberdeen City Council and delivered by Reed Projects.
It found that 87% of visitors to Nuart Aberdeen 2024, held from June 6 to 9 – rated their experience as either excellent (63%) or very good (24%).
In addition, 95% of those asked said they would like to see Nuart Aberdeen return, while 96% agreed Nuart Aberdeen has had a positive impact on the city.
Comments from those surveyed underlined visitors’ passion for the festival – recently named as one of the top six street art festivals in the world. Those comments included:
- “This is Aberdeen’s most interesting and enjoyable cultural events of recent years and I hope it continues.”
- “Loved the buzz it brought to the city, making it a more creative and unique place to live.”
- “I think it’s wonderful that Aberdeen continues to benefit from Nuart and it really brightens up the city.”
- “They tell me it is the best street art festival in the world and I cannot argue. The city should be proud and this must continue at all costs.”
- “Felt proud of the city for being bold and open to host an international event like this.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the new video captures everything that makes Nuart Aberdeen such a special, much-loved and important event for the city.
“It really is a reminder of just how vibrant and exciting Aberdeen becomes when Nuart is here and just how thrilled people are to see world-class artists transforming the city centre which becomes a massive canvas for their talent and vision,” he said.
“Hopefully it will do more than stir fond memories, it will also encourage people to come in to the city to discover for themselves these wonderful artworks – from epic murals to intimate hidden gems – from not only this year, but from the previous eight festivals.
“This really is a remarkable event that leaves a lasting legacy long after the paint pots are put away – one that continues the heavy lifting of bringing people into the city centre, giving them something to linger for and enjoy and encouraging them to support local traders and businesses.”
Image credit: ClarkeJossPhotography
Adrian added he was delighted to see the feedback from this year’s Nuart Aberdeen.
“Having an approval rating of 87% is something everyone involved in the festival can take real pride in and pleasure from. And the fact that 95% of those asked want to see Nuart Aberdeen return underlines the special place it has in the heart of the people of this city.”
Martyn Reed, founder of Nuart and curator of Nuart Aberdeen said 2024 felt like a defining year for the event.
“We tackled some of the largest and most difficult walls, produced some of the most sublime content, hosted some of the best street artists and muralists in the world and had the honour to present a unique series of talks and events from some of the world’s leading street art scholars and industry professionals,” he said.
“The Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council partnership alongside local business sponsors and partners has blossomed into an efficient and ambitious collective, all equally dedicated to bringing the very best this culture has to offer to the city of Aberdeen. To consistently bring it in on budget, is testament to the groups awareness that we don’t take the use of community funds lightly.
“And have no doubt, although a few of us are from outside the city’s borders, this is truly a local affair. A festival run by local people for local people which simply wouldn’t exist without the support of our vast army of Aberdonian volunteers.
“The best festival, for the best people in the best place. We couldn’t ask for more. Aberdee, we salute you.”
Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “Nuart has become a vibrant and inspiring festival of cultural activity in the city. The Nuart artworks are intriguing and entertaining. The images add much fun and colour to local streets.”
To find out more about Nuart Aberdeen – including a gallery of murals, a map and information on walking tours – visit here