Back like you’ve never seen before, the team behind Upfest has announced its lead artist for the new-for-2024 17-day cultural programme. The annual crowdfunding is back with a brand new rewards scheme to support the essential costs of the 17 day events programme, including a book and stickers bundle, mystery gift packs, a mystery print, and an exclusive Mister Samo t-shirt. On a mission to spread love and inclusion through his art, Portsmouth-based trans street artist and activist Mister Samo will showcase his big and bold creations in Bedminster.
Taking place between Friday 17 May - Sunday 2 June 2024, Upfest Presents will bring more layers of fresh paint to the city’s creative landscape, with 75 murals painted across Southville, along with workshops, artists panels, comedy, theatre, street art tours and more. Donations made to the crowdfunder will support in making the 2024 edition of the street art extravaganza happen to its full potential. As well as the rewards scheme, UPFEST PRESENTS supporters can also see where their donations are going. With as little as £5 going towards lunch for one of the incredible volunteers, £10 providing an artist with three cans of spray paint and £250 contributing to the cost of providing free activities for children across the 17 day programme.
Working with spray paint and acrylics, Mister Samo has been painting since 2013 with a clear vision and focus on intersectional gender identity and community. Using spray cans and brushes to create stunning artworks, Mister Samo’s work can be seen across the globe, including a piece for World Pride 2019 in New York for Stonewall. Leaving behind a trail of colour and inspiration in his signature pink and yellow, Mister Samo’s works spark conversations, challenge perceptions and unites in a shared celebration of community.
Headline artist, Mister Samo, said: “I am so honoured to be the lead 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. ”
Steve Hayles, founder of UPFEST, 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 2024 happen.”
Street art is a universal language, connecting communities and inspiring positive change through its unavoidable and often in-your-face visuals. Giving a voice and a platform to current issues and marginalised voices, the creators behind UPFEST PRESENTS, along with Mister Samo, continue to advocate for change. Armed with one simple message of YOU ARE LOVED, Mister Samo’s art truly captures that importance of kindness and creativity.
The UPFEST PRESENTS crowdfunder is up and running with the aim to raise £10,000 to support all the activities, with a rewards system in place to incentivise donations. The more money raised, the more events, murals and activities will be created as part of the programme. Visit https://www.fundsurfer.com/crowdfund/make-upfest24-happen to donate.
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