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.
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
