More than 100 graffiti and street artists from around the world and Wales will create artwork in Grangetown, Butetown and Central Cardiff for the first Meeting of Styles Cymru festival.
Leading up to the event, a series of community workshops will teach painting skills with local groups including homelessness charity The Wallich and EYST.
Led by Welsh artist Amelia Thomas, also known as ‘Unity’, for Cathays Central Youth and Community Project, she said: “We want this festival to raise awareness of graffiti as an art form, changing the often negative narrative behind it and really show how HipHop culture can bring communities together.”
Meeting of Styles is an international street art and graffiti festival that celebrates creativity, and cultural exchange among artists from around the globe. Wales will join host countries including Germany, Finland, Sweden, Indonesia and the Philippines since the festival began in 1997.
It’s free to attend and the festival hub is stationed at Canopi. Visitors will be able to buy a walking tour ticket, organised by The Wallich, where people who have experienced homelessness will guide you through art in the local area.
Lou Lockwood established Cardiff’s first and largest open graffiti wall at Sevenoaks Park, in memory of her son Roxe (Bill Lockwood). Lou painted until her sight loss no longer allowed it. She enjoys going to the wall, which is still looked after by the community, and having it described to her.
The festival has been made possible by partners, including paint sponsor Loop, and funding from Arts Council Wales, Community Foundation Wales and FOR Cardiff.
“We are thrilled to support the Meeting of Styles event coming to Cardiff. Public art is a vital ingredient in making places that people want to spend time in and this event’s combination of bringing world class talent to the city and developing local artists. We can’t wait to see what new artwork is produced at throughout the event.”
“We hope that the festival will inspire up and coming artists, as well as local people who will gain an insight into the strength of community in creating together.”