It was only few months ago we were reporting from the inaugural Nuart Aberdeen (covered) and now it’s time for the main event in Norway. The people behind the longest lasting and respected urban/street art festival have just released info about the 17th edition of Nuart will be taking place in Stavanger from the 31st of August until the 3rd of September, with their indoor exhibition at Tou Scene staying on view through 15th of October.
An initiative that placed the Norwegian oil capital permanently on the world street art map, got it listed in the recently published Lonely Planet’s Street Art guide, that collaborated with many creative festivals and projects inside the country and abroad, earned multiple awards and triggered countless conversations and debates about the rights to artistic use of the public space, is once again bringing a group of creatives to their quaint hometown. Their visionary actions will be followed by the unique Nuart Plus satellite program of academic and industry debates, artist presentations, film screenings, workshops, guided tours and more.
The organizers carefully selected a group of 12 artists from 10 countries spanning 4 continents that fit this year’s theme – “power.” Questioning who has it, who doesn’t and how sanctioned and unsanctioned street and public art can challenge prevailing mechanisms of control, the participating artists will be creating site-specific murals, installations, interventions, and a temporary indoor exhibition. The full lineup includes Ampparito (ES), Bahia Shehab (EG), Carrie Reichardt (UK), flyingleaps presents Derek Mawudoku (UK), Ian Strange (AU) – seen above, John Fekner (US), Know Hope (IS), ±maismenos± (PT), Igor Ponosov (RU), Ricky Lee Gordon (ZA), Slava Ptrk (RU) and Vermibus (DE).
“Nuart’s programs are designed specifically to explore and silently challenge the mechanisms of power and politics in public space. The real power of “street art” is being played out daily on walls, buildings, ad shelters and city squares the world over. This year’s Nuart Festival will bring together a diverse combination of of artists, activists and academics to reflect upon the fluidity of this transgressive new movement.” – Nuart founder and director, Martyn Reed
In the coming weeks AM will be further introducing the participants of Nuart 2017, as well as follow the festival in person and reporting directly from Stavanger.
