Welcome to your latest In Touch newsletter
Finally, spring is in the air and everything in Aberdeen seems that bit brighter and more colourful.
It’s about to get even more so, with Nuart Aberdeen gearing up for a triumphant return in less than three weeks’ time.
As you can see from this edition of our IN Touch newsletter there are many strands – and a lot of work - to bringing Scotland’s national street art festival to the Granite City.
There is the line-up of acclaimed artists, with a real Scottish flavour for 2026, including some outstanding homegrown talent.
Then there is the education strand, welcoming the University of Aberdeen as partners for the festival for the first time. Along with that is the chance for school children across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to create their own Nuart works.
And we cannot forget the army of volunteers, without whom Nuart Aberdeen simply wouldn’t happen.
All of this will reach a glorious peak over the Nuart Aberdeen 2026 festival weekend, running from April 22 to 26, when the city becomes a canvas for innovation, passion, and outstanding creativity.
Little wonder, then, that Nuart Aberdeen is one of the most-popular and best-loved events in the north-east’s cultural calendar.
It is, though, more than a case of art for art’s sake.
Nuart Aberdeen is also an ideal way to attract thousands of people into the city centre, and not just for the days when the festival is in full flow.
The murals created leave a lasting legacy with folk coming into the city centre to discover these stunning works all year round – helped, of course, by our Nuart Aberdeen tours.
But they don’t just take in the murals – large and small. Visitors also discover the many other attractions of the city centre, its shops, restaurants, pubs, green spaces and countless other attractions.
They enjoy, they linger, they support local by spending their money in our bricks and mortar businesses.
All of this increases footfall, boosts our economy and helps make Aberdeen a “must-visit” destination all year round.
That uplift for the city centre is the bigger picture of Nuart Aberdeen – and it is just as vibrant and wonderful as the stunning murals that transform the Granite City.
Best wishes,
Adrian Watson,
Chief Executive, Aberdeen Inspired
STORIES
Image credits - Nuart Aberdeen
REVEALED: The line-up of artists for Nuart Aberdeen 2026
Nuart Aberdeen has unveiled its line-up of artists for 2026 with a distinctly Scottish flavour – cementing its place as Scotland’s national street art festival.
The roster of 13 world-acclaimed artists leans heavily into Scottish talent, such as Aberdeen’s own KMG who returns not only as an artist but also one of the producers of what has been hailed as one of the top six street art festivals in the world.
Martyn Reed, curator of Nuart Aberdeen – delivered by Aberdeen Inspired in partnership with Aberdeen City Council – said he was looking forward to producing something “a little different” this year, alongside the festival’s theme of “Poetry Is In The Streets”.
You can read more here.
Image credits - Brian Tallman
The first mural of Nuart Aberdeen 2026 will be in the heart of the University of Aberdeen campus
The first mural for Nuart Aberdeen has been revealed – with a work by homegrown street artist KMG taking pride of place in the heart of the University of Aberdeen.
An application is being lodged with the city council for the showcase artwork to be created on a rear wall of the University’s Zoology building facing into Cruickshank Botanic Garden on the university campus.
This will be the first time Scotland’s national street art festival, running from April 22 to 26, will make its stunning mark in the heart of Old Aberdeen.
Read more about KMG’s proposed mural here.
Image credits - Conor Gault // Aberdeen Inspired
Volunteers urged to join Nuart Aberdeen ‘army’ as Finnies add sparkle to Scotland’s national street art festival
The call has gone out for volunteers to join a “passionate, creative and enthusiastic” army that will help make Nuart Aberdeen 2026 the most vibrant yet, say organisers.
The deadline for being part of the team making Scotland’s national street art festival happen is this Sunday, April 5.
To add even more sparkle to the return Nuart Aberdeen, Finnies, the family jeweller based on George Street, has come on board as a supporting partner for the world-acclaimed event.
Image credits - Conor Gault // Nuart Aberdeen
Join our guided tours for a taste of Nuart Aberdeen’s return
As excitement builds for the return of Nuart Aberdeen, street art fans can get a taste of what’s in store by taking part in one of our excellent Nuart tours, returning from this weekend ahead of the festival.
This Sunday, April 5, sees a jaunt around the West End to take in some stunning works from previous festivals. Next Sunday, April 12, will tour the murals in the central area of Aberdeen.
Both will be guided by experts from the Nuart Aberdeen production team to give you a real insider’s look at this world-class event.
Booking is essential for both. You can find more information for the April 5 tour here.
More information for the April 12 tour can be found here.
Image credits - Aberdeen Inspired
‘Roadmap to retail revival’ for Aberdeen city centre revealed at packed business breakfast
More than 150 people attended a business breakfast to hear more about what could be a roadmap to retail revival for Aberdeen’s city centre.
Retail expert Jonathan De Mello revealed key points from the Retail and Property Strategy, commissioned by Aberdeen Inspired with support from Aberdeen City Council.
The document aims to assess the city centre market, identify gaps in the retail, leisure and hospitality offer, benchmark Aberdeen with its closest comparators, and recommend practical next steps to attract brands that add value and diversity.
You can read more about Jonathan’s key findings.
Image credits - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen’s trailblazing Upper Floors Project draws attention of expert UK placemakers
The trailblazing work of the expert task force striving to bring new life back to Union Street’s empty and under-used upper floors has been showcased at a prestigious national conference in London.
And the commitment of the Upper Floors Project to work as Team Aberdeen and do the “tough stuff” to help regenerate the heart of the Granite City in an innovative and collaborative way was well-received by key placemakers from across the UK.
Many of them are now looking to the Granite City as providing a possible route map for future success.
You can find out more here.
Image credits - Aberdeen Inspired
New Aberdeen Ambassadors will be the smiling face of our friendly city
Aberdeen Inspired has welcomed the introduction of two new Aberdeen Ambassadors as “the smiling face of our friendly city, adding a welcoming, visible and reassuring presence in the heart of the Granite City”.
The Ambassador roles are proactive, community-facing positions designed to improve the overall experience of the city centre for residents, visitors and businesses.
They will be on hand to offer guidance and directions, provide information about the city, and help create a safer and more welcoming environment through their visibility and engagement.
Find out more about the Aberdeen Ambassadors here.
Image credits - VisitAberdeenshire
Aberdeen Convention Bureau offers opportunity to attract business from conference delegates
Aberdeen Convention Bureau is inviting businesses across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to engage with their Delegate Offers programme, offering exclusive deals for conference visitors while they are in the region.
Any business type is invited to participate - food & drink, attractions, entertainment, accommodation, tours, and more.
All offers will be promoted through Aberdeen Convention Bureau channels, including on their website, direct communication with conference organisers, and social media channels before and during each event. Businesses are welcome to disclose any T&C’s and exclusion days in conjunction with their offer.
This is a great opportunity to showcase your business to hundreds of visiting delegates, many of whom are keen to explore the region, dine out, and experience what Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire has to offer beyond the conference venue.
To submit an offer, or to find out more, please contact: businessevents@visitabdn.com
Image credits - Aberdeen City Council
Have your say in the Aberdeen City Council consultation on taxi and private hire policy
Aberdeen City Council has opened its consultation on taxi and private hire cab city provision.
This includes questions around the street knowledge test as well as many other aspects of the taxi and private hire sector.
Aberdeen Inspired is urging all levy payers to have their say and take part in the consultation to ensure as wide a range of opinions are put forward as possible.
Have your say today - the consultation is open until April 24 and you will find it here.