Graffiti artists and mural painters are going to be let loose on the town as part of the first-ever Swindon Paint Fest.
Various walls will be given a colourful makeover throughout the weekend of October 15 and 16 with the aim of celebrating and creating more murals and street art as part of the town's regeneration - as well as to bring about a positive change in people's perception.
The event is being run by artists Caryn Koh and Sally Taylor and Organiser Helen Salter on behalf of Artsite, an artist-led self-funded charity, in partnership with Inswindon BID.
It has already attracted over 50 local and international artists who have been keen to be involved in various live paintings and permanent murals in and around Swindon town centre and leading into the district of Rodbourne.
Headline artists include Martin Travers, Ed Poster, Jaksta, Curtis Hylton, Philth Baker, Caryn Koh, Hass, Lost Dogs, INCA_THEMOLE, Jenna Fox, Tim Carroll, Peter Cowdy, 7th Pencil, Andrew Burns Colwill, Teaone, Von Grey, Paulmonsters, Sophie Long, Tim Penfold and the Read & Weep Crew.
Due to the size of the event and murals, some artists have already started work to enable people to enjoy seeing their work in progress. One example of this is a mural currently being painted behind the MECA by Ed Poster, The Visual Drop and Jaksta.
The main event attraction will be held at Wharf Green, where six featured artists will be showcasing their skills on large frames by live painting to the public over the weekend.
An official art trail map will be published on the event's social media sites, leading up to the event, so people can find out where each artist is located and get to see them at work.
There's an official launch event at Artiste from 6-9pm on Friday October 14.
Artists will also be holding a free interactive experimental drawing workshop for the public to drop into the gallery and experience
Iconic Swindon artist Ken White, best known for his large-scale murals will be hosting a free-entry conversation session and open discussion about how public art can play an important role in improving a town.
There will also be exhibitions showcasing the work of the artists and highlighting the history and evolvement of street art in Swindon.
Keep up to date on event announcements via Instagram and Facebook.
Inswindon BID, local businesses and public donations are funding this event.
If you would like to make a contribution towards materials, go to gofund.me/4cb6a81c
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