150 artists are descending on Bristol next month as part of a flagship festival for urban art.   Upfest ’09 is taking place at a host of Bristol’s hippest venues on Saturday, June 6 and will see exponents of all types of urban art – including graffiti, stenciling, pasting, screen printing – daubing and decorating the city centre with colour. 

Still only in its second year, the buzz about the festival saw all the 150 registered places for artists fill up within days of launching. Organiser, Stephen Hayles, said there is a clear demand for a forum like Upfest.  

“There has been an explosion in the urban art scene in recent years, its artistry and accessibility has captured the public imagination like never before. With Upfest we’re offering a focal point where people can get together to see some of the best artists in the world and learn more about it.” 

With some of the biggest names on the scene - including French master, Guy Denning and the British artists Inkie, Hush and David Walker painting live - Stephen said the base of artists who attended last year’s festival has established a vibrant community that is forming the backbone of Upfest ’09.

“One of the best parts about last year’s festival is that many of the artists have stayed in touch and created relationships that they are bringing back to Upfest ’09,” said Stephen.  Upfest ’08 gave organisers a positive picture of the number people such an event could attract to a city that is widely seen as a spiritual home of modern art. The footfall of over 2,000 people exceeded all expectations and enabled them to expand from the lone venue of the Tobacco Factory in 2008 to a total of seven venues in 2009. 

Taking in the whole of south Bristol - including the Tobacco Factory and new venues, The Grain Barge, View Art Gallery and Art Space Live Space - these artistic arenas will allow for people to observe and take part in a multitude of art forms. With attractions for all the family, the festival will also feature children’s areas, sound systems and urban dance performances.

Stephen said:

“The inclusion of larger give it a go art area’s for kids supported by artists is at the forefront of this years festival, it’s always great to see kids getting involved in art and away from their games consoles. Bristol has gained a reputation in recent years as being a heartland of urban art - with people like Banksy and his contemporaries creating many works in the city and fostering public interest in the art form. By basing Upfest here and moving it from October - as it was last year - to June this year, we’re hoping that it will become a pivotal part of the urban art calendar, we’ve tried our best to open up the festival to everyone, hence admission is just £4 which gives entry to all venues”

A third of the proceeds of the festival will be donated to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) The Bristol-based charity offers advice and support to the increasing number of young people and families in Britain affected by alcoholism and addiction, chiefly through their volunteer-staffed helpline. Last year’s festival raised over £3,500 for them.  Volunteers from the charity will make up some of the 60-70 people staffing the festival.

“There was such an amazing atmosphere at last year’s festival – there were so many people from all walks of life all turning to urban art as a great new form of expression. Urban art is drawing a huge following and credibility among young people now. Through being associated with the festival, we will be able to raise the profile of Nacoa among some of the people who may need us the most. We’re so pleased to be working with Upfest.”
Cassie Ohlson, Nacoa’s volunteer co-ordinator

The second Upfest takes place at seven venues around Bristol on Saturday, June 6, 2009. Admission is £4, which gives entry to all venues throughout the day. The festival will feature over 150 artists from all over the world who have pre-registered to create and display their work at the festival.

The seven venues involved are, The Tobacco Factory, The Grain Barge, The View Gallery – which is providing space for a three-week long display from the date of the festival, The Garage, North Street, The Try Again Pub, Art Space Live Space, A 200-foot hoarding displayed along the river at Vauxhall Bridge.

Artists will create an Urban Art trail between the two primary venues of The Tobacco Factory and The Grain Barge. Street performers, sound systems and children’s areas will also be featured.