Art / Upfest 2024
Artist ‘on mission to spread love’ to headline Upfest
Mister Samo will be spraying messages of love across BS3 when he headlines Upfest this summer.
The trans artist, whose vibrant works can be seen across the globe, sparking conversations, challenging perceptions and uniting communities, says his inclusion at the forefront of the world-renowned street art festival is a powerful statement of allyship.
This year, the weekend festival will be replaced by ‘Upfest Presents’, a pop-up festival across multiple venues across BS3 for 17 days during May and June.
is needed now More than ever
Upfest organisers have launched a crowdfunder, with a new rewards system, in a bid to raise £10,000 towards hosting the festival, which is free to attend and has moved to a bi-annual model after taking a break last year, partly due to funding struggles.
Mister Samo, said: “I am so honoured to be the headline artist this year. It’s a real powerful statement for the team to put a trans artist at the forefront of the event during these times. They are showing their allyship with the community and in itself bringing change and inclusion.
“I really hope this sheds a positive and powerful light on the community, and the joy and love there is to be celebrated – and you can easily support by picking up one of my Upfest t-shirts on the crowdfunder. ”
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Working with spray paint and acrylics, the artist has been painting since 2013, with a focus on intersectional gender identity and community.
Among his bold, vibrant works, is a piece created for World Pride 2019 in New York for Stonewall.
Taking place between Friday, May 17 and Sunday, June 2, Upfest Presents will see 75 murals painted across Bedminster, along with workshops, artists panels, comedy, theatre, street art tours and more.
Upfest Presents will see 75 murals painted across Bedminster, along with workshops, artists panels, comedy, theatre, street art tours and more – photo: Upfest/ Plaster
Upfest founder Steve Hayles said: “We fundamentally believe in the power of art to transcend boundaries and challenge perceptions. Having Mister Samo join as the headline artist for 2024 not only celebrates diversity, but amplifies the voices and stories of the community. It’s a true testament to one of our core beliefs: that inclusivity is at the heart of our organisation.
“This is a new year for Upfest, with it being set across three weekends, and it’s a real chance for the entire community to come together and get involved in the incredible programme.
“As well as witnessing 75 brand new murals emerge in real time, you can take part in artist Q+As and panels, go to a graffiti workshop with your family or hear some great comedy. We can’t wait for the city to get stuck in and, as always, big thanks to Arts Council England for giving us an opportunity to create opportunities for artists and visitors to be immersed in culture and creativity.
“It is a huge, community effort to bring this event to the city, so if anyone can support the crowdfunder, please do. There’s some fantastic rewards up for grabs, including some mystery prints from some stellar street artists, so check them out on the website and let’s make Upfest Presents incredible.”
Main photo: Upfest/ Plaster
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