The education strand of Nuart Aberdeen included pupils from Arnage Primary School in Auchnagat enjoying a tour of the Granite City's marvellous muralsm such as Molly Hankinson's new work for this year at Crooked Lane. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Nuart Aberdeen is uncovering the next generation of talented street artists as works by school pupils from across the city and shire have gone up in public spaces across the heart of the Granite City.
The artworks are based on Poetry Is In The Streets, the theme of Scotland’s national street art festival which burst into life on Wednesday and runs until Sunday.
As part of this year’s Nuart Aberdeen – staged by Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council, with support from Finnies The Jeweller and Build Hollywood – an education pack was sent to primary and second schools across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
Pupils were invited to let their imagination run riot and create their own Nuart works, inspired by text and images. The result was a stunning array of pieces in languages ranging from English to Gaelic, Doric to Urdu.
Now these masterpieces are taking pride of place at Aberdeen Train Station, the Flint hoarding on Exchange Street, 148 Union Street, on bus shelter ad spaces – and even in Aberdeen Art Gallery.
North-east pupils' Nuart-inspired works are on display at Aberdeen Train Station. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Kate Timperley, Aberdeen Inspired’s project manager for Nuart Aberdeen, said: “We felt it was only right and proper to have the children and young people of the north-east be at the heart of Nuart this year.
“After all, it is a celebration of the imagination and the transformative power of art – and where better to see that in action than in the lives of the next generation, some of whom might go on to be the next Banksy, for all we know.”
Kate, who worked closely with Aberdeen City Council’s education team on the project, said everyone had been delighted by the works contributed from schools including Westhill Academy, Hazelhead Academy, and Riverbank, Sunnybank, Cornhill, Skene Square and St Peter’s Primary.
To help launch Nuart Aberdeen, Hazelhead Academy and Skene Square Primary pupils attended a civic reception at Aberdeen Town House where they read some of their works to an assembled throng of dignitaries and artists.
The wonderful artworks by pupils from City and Shire being put on proud display at the Flint market works hoarding. Image - Aberdeen Inspired.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “It was an uplifting and joyous moment that moved everyone at the reception. These young people had real passion – and talent – that lit up the room.
“It is good to see that same talent and passion now on display across the city centre – especially in so many languages and on so many themes. These pupils have truly made Aberdeen a city of words.
“I would encourage everyone to come into Aberdeen to discover these works for themselves – along with all the other stunning murals and creations that will make this Nuart Aberdeen festival weekend a vibrant and exciting place to be.
Councillor Martin Greig, culture spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council, said: “It is inspiring to see the addition of artwork done by many of our young people in this year’s Nuart festival.
“Their creativity and voices will help to transform our streets into vibrant areas for all to enjoy.”
Pupils at Braemar Primary transformed their playground into a work of art in a Nuart Aberdeen chalk activity. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
The education strand started well before Nuart Aberdeen officially began with children at more than 20 schools across the region taking part in a Chalk Don’t Chalk activity, turning their own playgrounds into a riot of colour and art.
And on Thursday, the entire school of Arnage Primary at Auchnagat – all 31 pupils – made the trip into Aberdeen for a bespoke guided tour of Nuart Aberdeen works old and new.
It was led by Aberdeen Inspired project manager Ross Grant who has been involved with Nuart Aberdeen since it began in 2017.
Following the tour, Ross said, “Arnage Primary School brought the sunshine for the tour, and they were absolutely engaged, asking loads of questions and coming up with their own interpretations and opinions of the work.
“We love it when we can facilitate the chance for local young people from the City and Shire, to explore the incredible street art that is in their city centre.”
Art mirrors life as the pupils of Arnage Primary School visit Slim Safont's "schoolgirl" mural at Union Row. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
The education aspect of Nuart Aberdeen is also highlighted by Aberdeen Inspired partnering with the University of Aberdeen for the first time.
The university will today (Friday) host the first day of the prestigious conference that runs alongside Nuart Aberdeen, drawing artists, experts and academics from across the world, and encouraging students to engage with the event and the wider festival.
Nuart Aberdeen is now in full swing for its festival weekend, with Belmont Street at its epicentre, especially the Big Belmont Bash happening on Saturday.
As well as a chance to see the new – and old – art, there are also tours, events, talks to enjoy.
You can find out more by visiting the Aberdeen Inspired website.