Swindon Paint Fest is back for a second year running and the townwide celebration of art kicks off today.
Across this weekend, artists will paint murals around the town to brighten up the grey tones of Swindon.
Caryn Koh co-organised the event with Helen Salter and spoke ahead of the festival at Friday’s launch party held at Rudi’s Bar.
“I am so excited as we have had more time to prepare for this year,” said the 36-year-old.
“Paint Fest is not just about street art but it is also about celebrating Swindon especially given its history with murals.
“It brings the community together and brings interest into the area.”
Artist Dario Santos took part in last year’s Paint Fest and will be contributing this year with a brand new mural.
“It's going to be even better as I had less time to plan last year with a smaller design but this year will be bigger,” said the 32-year-old.
“The work is going to be in Old Town and will depict an owl because I love to paint wildlife and animals as you can have fun with them.”
Max Dawkins and Gem Pock from the Trinity Collective are hosting a pop-up art in the town centre throughout Saturday.
“We are providing art supplies and art from local artists,” said Max.
“Swindon has always been a grey, industrial town so it is brilliant to see artwork popping up and this is what the town needs.”
Gem added: “I think a lot of people get quite down about Swindon due to there being a lot of grey and closed shops.
“There are a lot of negative comments about where we live and its easy to see the negative instead of the beauty within that but I think that the Paint Fest is bringing the beauty back out.
“It is better to see a big, beautiful art piece while walking down the street than grey big vacant buildings.”
Hannah Dosanjh has already painted her contribution to the event with her mural of Swindon Town Football Club legends on Carfax Street which was visited by Chris Kamara last month.
“Paint Fest is such a positive event for Swindon and for the second year running, we are so proud to be able to redecorate some dull walls and transform the space for residents,” said the 55-year-old.
“You can’t get enough street art and the reaction to my artwork has been absolutely phenomenal so I’m very proud.”
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