The first of more than 100 murals have been completed across London, as part of a month-long festival. The London Mural Festival, which runs throughout September, spans 15 boroughs. The first paintings are in Oval, the City of London and Camden.
Justine Simons, London's deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said she was "delighted" the festival had returned. It first took place in 2020. "It is a wonderful example of how murals transform our city into a gallery and bring free art to everyone, helping to build a better city for everyone," she said.
The festival, run by Global Street Art, has released an interactive map of all the mural locations and artists. Dr Lee Bofkin, CEO of Global Street Art, said the festival "leaves a long-lasting visual legacy across the city". "Most of the 75 murals painted at our first edition four years ago still look great, and we hope the 100 murals we’re adding in 2024 will last as long," he said. "The hard work, talent and love pouring out of the festival is unmatched. It’s well worth a squiz.”
The First Murals
The first mural of the festival, by Sebas Velasco, is titled A Lasting Place. The painting, which took its title from the song by British rapper Loyle Carner, is located on Cobbett Street in Oval, south London. The mural depicts a young man in front of a Brixton train line at night.
Velasco said he was pleased with his first London mural. “The wall, like the neighbourhood and the sitter, had so much character," he said. "I was grateful for the creative freedom and support from the team in allowing me the space to properly explore this."
A Mural Festival Across London
A month-long mural festival across London will feature street art at seven housing estates in Lambeth created by top international and homegrown artists. The London Mural Festival which started on September 5th aims to celebrate all things street art with interactive installations, exhibitions and more.
The first mural, kicking off the festival, has been unveiled in Oval and was painted by Spanish artist Sebas Velasco. Called ‘A Lasting Place’ the portrait is of a young local resident and takes its title from the song by British rapper Loyle Carner.
Celebrating Diversity
The festival promises to offer a unique chance to see live art in action on the streets across Lambeth and 14 other boroughs, from some of the world’s most iconic street artists working today, themed around ‘Connection’. Over the month 100 new murals will be on display, adding to the 75 murals produced for its first edition in 2020.
A Lasting Legacy
Lambeth council is working with Global Street Art to install murals across the borough as part of the London Mural Festival which runs from today (5 September) to the end of the month. It will showcase more than 100 murals from some of the world’s best street artists. Themed around “connection”, the festival says it will bring together thousands of artists, communities, and visitors to celebrate London’s diverse people and places.
One of the first new murals created in Lambeth is Spanish artist Sebas Velasco’s A Lasting Place at Cobbett Street on the South Lambeth estate. Inspired by the track of that name on Loyle Carner’s album Hugo, it depicts a young Brixton man with the lights of the overground station behind him. “I have always been very interested in social architecture, but l had no idea that London, particularly Brixton, was so rich in these aesthetics,” Velasco told the Brooklyn Street Art website which says the mural stands as a narrative of Brixton’s character, shaped by the creative freedom Velasco was given.
Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth Council’s Member for Stronger Communities, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this creative event which will bring colourful and engaging artwork into the heart of our communities. “The first work has been completed in Lambeth and it’s really inspiring, something for all generations to enjoy, and I look forward to see more of the street art that will be produced over the next four weeks.”
The Art of Connection
The London Mural Festival is much more than just a display of beautiful artwork. It’s a celebration of community, a testament to the power of art to connect people from all walks of life. With its focus on “connection,” the festival seeks to bring together diverse communities, artists, and visitors, transforming London into a vibrant canvas of creativity and collaboration.
The festival’s success lies in its ability to blend art with social engagement. By showcasing murals on housing estates and involving local residents in the creative process, the festival fosters a sense of belonging and ownership. This not only beautifies the city but also enriches its cultural landscape.
As the festival unfolds, we can expect to see a wave of fresh, vibrant, and thought-provoking murals across London. These works of art, painted by some of the world’s most talented street artists, will not only add a splash of color to the city but also spark conversations, inspire reflection, and build bridges between communities.
For more information visit londonmuralfestival.com/.
