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From June 6th to June 9th, Aberdeen once again became a vibrant canvas of contemporary street art during the exhilarating Nuart Aberdeen festival. Now in its eighth edition, this internationally acclaimed event gathered 11 distinguished artists, transforming the city under the theme of ‘Living Heritage’ and sparking creativity and cultural dialogue throughout the Granite City.
Nuart Aberdeen, since its inception in 2017, has been a beacon for street art enthusiasts worldwide, founded on the principles of artistic innovation and community involvement. This year continued the tradition of blending local heritage with global perspectives, showcasing artworks that ranged from awe-inspiring murals to thought-provoking installations.
The 2024 edition featured renowned artists known for pushing the boundaries of urban art. The lineup included:
- Know Hope
- Bahia Shehab
- Case Maclaim
- Cbloxx
- Hera
- KMG
- Mahn Kloix
- Millo
- Molly Hankinson
- Niels ‘Shoe’ Meulman
- Wasted Rita
Each artist brought a unique vision to the city, exploring themes of identity, sustainability, and cultural heritage. The artworks, from large-scale murals to hidden gems, not only beautified Aberdeen’s urban landscape but also stimulated conversations about the intersection of art and heritage.
Beyond its aesthetic impact, Nuart Aberdeen consistently delivers economic and cultural benefits to the region. By attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually, the festival boosts local businesses and solidifies Aberdeen’s status as a cultural hub in Scotland. The festival’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement ensures that its influence extends far beyond the lifespan of the artworks.
Nuart Aberdeen 2024 was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council, and Reed Projects, supported by various local businesses and community organizations. This partnership emphasizes the festival’s dedication to fostering creative expression and cultural exchange in Aberdeen.
As Nuart Aberdeen 2024 draws to a close, the city remains transformed, enriched by the legacy of this year’s festival. The artworks, now part of Aberdeen's fabric, will continue to inspire and provoke thought, illustrating the enduring power of public art in fostering cultural understanding and community cohesion.
Nuart Aberdeen 2024 has reaffirmed its standing at the forefront of global street art festivals, combining artistic excellence with a deep respect for heritage and community. As Aberdeen looks to the future, the echoes of this year’s festival will resonate, inviting both locals and visitors to discover the magic of urban art in the heart of Scotland’s Granite City.
A parting note from Nuart Festival Director and curator, Martyn Reed:
“The ephemeral nature of much of the culture we work with and produce at Nuart can be regarded as intangible cultural heritage. This incorporates the parts of our shared past that live in the present - everyday rituals and practices, cultural expressions, celebrations, festivals, stories, songs, and crafts that help to define who we are. These don’t have to be as old as time; this is heritage that lives in the present. This was the theme we set out to explore this year, and now, as we unpack and decompress, we share WhatsApp messages and photos, trawl through thousands of Dropbox images, and share those stories that become ‘sticky’ with meaning. It’s this ‘stickiness’ of certain stories during Nuart that keeps the work on the wall far more than the paste and paint. So I’d urge everyone, in this media-saturated world of pretty murals, to spend a little extra time thinking about what and who is behind these final hero shots and how they contribute to making the city a slightly better place to be in these trying times. We’d like to thank all of our crew, artists, partners, press, and the extended Nuart Family worldwide."
