World-renowned graffiti artists are creating stunning murals across Leicester this week, for the internationally acclaimed ‘Bring The Paint’ festival, which aims to turn the city’s streets into one of the biggest free art galleries in the world.
Over 70 artists from around the globe are in the process of creating eye-catching graphic artworks on buildings and spectacular 3D floor art across Leicester city centre, with hot spots on Woodgate, DMU campus, Welford Road and the Cultural Quarter.
In addition to being able to watch the detailed street art taking shape, visitors to this year’s ‘Bring the Paint’ festival are also able to enjoy the live music, workshops, exhibitions, live broadcasts, and a range of other activities taking place throughout the week.
The event is expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors to the city, say organisers of the festival, which has been running in the city since 2017.
“With over 70 headline artists creating large scale murals across 48 sites, there is a huge range of styles being painted; stylised photo realism from artists such as Super A, VOYDER, traditional graffiti lettering from legends such as ATOM and SMASH, exciting combinations of graffiti, illustration, and realism from 1UP, NUNOVIEGAS and YARD WARRIORS, fun illustrative artwork from 45RPM and ROO, art nouveau from INKIE and abstract styles from artists such as IOTA”, said Izzy Hoskins, Artistic Director of Bring The Paint.
“Visiting artists from all over will be attending legal graffiti jams across five sites, and there will be workshops, tours, and activities free for everyone to attend throughout the week and weekend.”
This year, internationally acclaimed artists from America, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, and the UK will be contributing more world-class art to the Leicester city scape.
Members of the public can join street art walking tours, being led by local experts until May 29, and discover the exciting new murals as they emerge throughout the city.
People can also cycle between the iconic artworks on a family friendly ride, where they’ll be given the opportunity to learn about the artist, the story behind their work, and, in some instances, speak with the artists themselves.
There’s a virtual reality exhibition at The Mill by Graffwerk open every day from 12-5pm, charting the history of UK graffiti, and visitors can also create their very own piece of wall art at a free drop in workshop taking place at the venue.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Bring The Paint has become a regular part of the city’s exciting calendar of events since 2017, and the breathtaking results of these world-class artworks can still be seen in the city centre today.
“I’m once again looking forward to working with Graffwerk to bring this event to the city, and to see the handiwork of some truly amazing artists.”
Supported by Arts Council England, BID Leicester, Leicester City Council, De Montfort University and The Gresham Aparthotel, Bring The Paint is inspired by Leicester’s identity as one of the most diverse cities in Europe.
“This year’s festival will build upon the theme of collaboration, bringing together artists from across the world who would not normally meet, re-imagining this vibrant diverse destination and giving the public a chance to witness the spectacular works being created first hand”, say organisors.
To find out more, visit: https://www.bringthepaint.co.uk/
