Upfest, Europe's largest street art festival, is set to make a bold statement at the Wild Place Project, part of the Bristol Zoological Society, with an exciting live painting event. On May 20 and 21, a group of street artists will descend upon the Wild Place Project, creating stunning artworks inspired by the conservation efforts of the Bristol Zoological Society.
The event will feature the artistic prowess of eight renowned street artists; Aspire, Bex Glover, Cheo, Felix Braun, The Hass, Sian Storey, Silent Hobo, and Sophie Long. These artists will employ their unique styles and creative flair to produce large-scale murals that tell the story of Bristol Zoological Society's conservation programs around the world. From the endangered lemur leaf frogs of Costa Rica's forests to the western lowland gorillas in Equatorial Guinea and the declining population of white-clawed crayfish in the rivers of the UK, each artwork will showcase the Society's dedication to wildlife preservation.
In addition to highlighting past conservation efforts, the murals will also offer a glimpse into the future. They will provide a sneak peek into the Society's upcoming project, Bristol Zoo Project, set to commence construction in 2024 at the Wild Place Project. This new zoo will introduce exciting new animal species to the site, further expanding the Society's conservation initiatives.
Visitors to the Wild Place Project will have the opportunity to witness the artworks come to life over the course of the weekend at the Tower Meadow. Guests can also explore the Wild Place experience, enjoying outdoor adventure and the chance to encounter a diverse array of animals from around the globe.
Following the completion of the live painting event, the Wild Place Project and Upfest will kick off SpringFest during the May half-term, providing a perfect source of family entertainment. With games, crafts, and an exciting art trail through Tower Meadow, SpringFest will run daily from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Visitors of all ages can contribute to the artistry by adding their handprints to a giant mural and leaving pledges on a willow sculpture in the shape of a globe. The event will also feature pop-up animal talks, traditional lawn games, and interactive storytelling, all at no additional cost.
Stephen Hayles, co-founder of Upfest said: "This is a brilliant project, and we can't wait to bring a splash of color to this amazing organization. It's great to be working with Wild Place Project and using art to showcase all the conservation work they do while allowing visitors to witness the installations being created during the Live Paint Takeover."
Justin Morris, CEO of Bristol Zoological Society added: "We're over the moon to be partnering with Upfest on this brand new project. Street art is such a huge part of Bristol, and we couldn't be more excited to bring in incredible street artists to create bespoke artworks showcasing the vital work we do to protect endangered species and animal habitats around the world. It will definitely be a weekend to remember."
To stay up-to-date with the latest developments, interested individuals can follow Upfest on Twitter and Instagram or visit the Upfest website for more information.
