One of Europe’s most prominent street art festivals is making a comeback to Glasgow this spring. SWG3 has announced the return of Yardworks Festival, Scotland’s premier festival of graffiti and urban arts, scheduled to take place on May 3 and 4. This event promises to transform the venue into a vibrant hub of large-scale murals, live painting, and artwork, offering an immersive experience for art enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
Yardworks Festival is not just about showcasing stunning artwork; it also aims to provide a platform for creative expression and community engagement. The festival will feature a diverse program of free workshops and talks that celebrate Glasgow’s rich history of graffiti, street art, and hip-hop culture, paying homage to the city’s creative roots. This year’s theme, Glasgow 850, will delve into the city’s past and present, exploring how art has shaped its identity and urban landscape.
Tickets for the festival will be available starting February 21 at 10 am, giving art enthusiasts the chance to secure their spot at this highly anticipated event. The lineup for Yardworks Festival boasts an impressive array of internationally acclaimed artists, each bringing their unique style and vision to the forefront. From intricate large-scale murals to hyper-realistic creations, the artists participating in this year’s festival are set to leave a lasting impression on attendees.
Sofles, hailing from Australia, is a globally celebrated graffiti artist known for his detailed and mesmerizing murals, as well as his viral videos Limitless and Infinite. Canadian artist Bacon specializes in hyper-realistic murals featuring intricate depictions of animals and natural elements, showcasing a mastery of aerosol techniques. Zurik, representing Colombia and Spain, is renowned for her WildStyle-inspired graffiti, blending intricate lettering with bold 3D effects to create visually striking pieces. Nuno Viegas from Portugal merges graffiti culture with fine art, known for his photorealistic portrayals of masked figures and draped fabrics, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to his creations.
Gary Mackay, also known as Gaz Mac, studio director at SWG3 and co-founder of Yardworks, expressed his excitement for this year’s festival, highlighting the diverse lineup of artists and the expanded program of workshops. Mackay stated, “Every year, Yardworks brings together an incredible mix of artists, from pioneers of the graffiti scene to fresh new talent pushing the artform forward. This year’s festival is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet, with an expanded artist lineup and new workshops that celebrate not just graffiti and street art, but the wider creative culture that surrounds it. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to SWG3 and see these incredible artists bring the venue to life once again.”
As the anticipation builds for the return of Yardworks Festival, art enthusiasts and festival-goers alike can look forward to a weekend filled with creativity, inspiration, and community spirit. Mark your calendars for May 3 and 4, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of street art and urban culture at this iconic event. Tickets go on sale on February 21 at 10 am, so be sure to secure your spot and witness the magic unfold at Yardworks Festival in Glasgow.