Swindon Paint Fest 2023

Swindon Paint Fest is back on 2nd and 3rd September 2023! And we need your support more than ever before!

A free and inclusive event for all, it was very well received by the public and the most feedback received was that “Swindon needs more” so here we are!

Mural by Delon at Corporation Street

We had over 50 renowned muralists and street artists descending to various locations in Swindon throughout the town centre and Rodbourne, transforming drab walls, grey hoardings and rundown boards with vibrant colours and unique works of art. These stunning pieces created have become tourist attractions with people travelling from all over the U.K. to Swindon to walk the mural art trail, view them in all their glory and photograph them.

Action shot of artist Paulmonsters at Corporation Street

Not only street art, we also ran workshops, talks, art exhibitions, and an art pop-up shop. All of that wouldn’t have been possible without the public rallying together to contribute in every single way possible, be it monetary donations, or volunteering their time and efforts. Thus, we would need your help to make this happen again!

Action shots of artists Andrew Burns Colwill and Curtis Hylton at Linslade Street

Your funding would allow us to hold a bigger and bolder event! We would aim then to have a larger number of feature walls and host world-renowned artists in target key spots to enhance the town centre, where the public would also be able to witness and enjoy the wonderful works of art coming to life. It would go to obtaining materials needed ie paints, and equipment for hire when dealing with large walls such as scaffoldings and cherry pickers.

Group Exhibition in Swindon Hub, the Parade

We will hold curated exhibitions in different spaces, have PA and live music with deejays to create a lively atmosphere alongside the street art jams and community art projects, arrange talks and forums to have open discussions and presentations introducing Swindon’s rich mural and urban art history.

Conversations with renowned mural artist Ken White, invigilated by Tony Hillier

Photo by Pearl Lucia Barcoe

When September rolls around, Swindon will once again be overflowing with these amazing talents and creativity, various art events for all and so much more! This is after all a free festival for anyone and everyone to enjoy so every penny counts and will go a long way!

Mural by Nocciola the Drawer at Bridge Street

About Artsite and Swindon Paint Fest

Mural by Jaksta and Ed Poster at the MECA

Artsite is an artist-led organisation set up in 1999 to develop affordable studio spaces and a platform to support and celebrate artists in the visual and creative arts. Artsite has since collaborated on several public and community art projects that have a strong ethos of social inclusion and accessibility to all, acting as a catalyst of change by bringing enhancements into the town centre and the community.

Organised by Artsite, Swindon Paint Fest’s objective was to initiate the development of murals, public art and hold creative events as part of the regeneration of the town centre. It has had a tremendously positive impact on the town and the community since its implementation. The past 2 years have seen the organisation work with InSwindon Bid, Swindon Borough Council, Heritage Action Zone, various organisations and local artists on initiating the development of murals in the town centre. Henceforth, we would aim to carry on fulfilling those objectives.

Mural by Mickey Wear for Read and Weep Crew's Global travel

theme collaboration at the Premier Inn hoardings

Swindon Paint Fest was put together by three main organisers, Artsite members, volunteers and artistic peers who are passionate about our vision.

Artist Peter Cowdy facilitating in creating a mural with some youths

at Wharf Green

We would like to thank those who contributed to making Swindon Paint Fest happen last year. Swindon Paint Fest was supported by Inswindon BID and various local businesses such as MECA, Rudi’s Bar, Swindon Children’s Scrapstore, and Domino’s Pizza. We hope to continue to diversify, include more sponsors and contributions from as many different streams as possible.

If you're a business and would like to make contributions to the Swindon Paint Fest in other means as well, do reach out to us directly on our platforms and we would be in contact to make the necessary arrangements. Thank you in advance and it would go toward the betterment and success of the event! Do visit our website www.swindonpaintfest.weebly.com for more information.