University buildings become canvas for LOOKUP Portsmouth festival

LOOKUP Portsmouth has partnered with the University to add a splash of colour to its campus.

The annual street art festival brings together the best international, national and local artists to create permanent works across the city.

During the two-day event (14-15 September), 117 artists created murals on 30 buildings, including prime spots on the Gunwharf Quays railway arches, the multi-storey carpark in Alec Rose Lane and Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery. A landmark piece by local artist Midge was also created at the end of Eastney Esplanade.

Two University of Portsmouth buildings also became canvases. The first piece was painted on Rees Hall by a French artist called Shekra. The second was designed by the artist Yessiow, and painted by her assistant on the side of Richmond Building.

Yann Penn, aka Shekra, said: “I'm very happy to have taken part in LOOKUP because it's a festival that's open to everyone and has a free spirit. That's what inspired my mural. It was also another good opportunity to come to England and meet other artists.

“I've had a lot of very good feedback from all the people who came to see me this weekend. They seem to be inspired by my colours!”

LOOKUP Portsmouth - run by ‘Art Up (Portsmouth)’ CIC - is designed to celebrate and enhance Portsmouth’s vibrant street art scene. Unlike most other street art festivals which take place in a small area, the event covers the whole city.

The festival attracted 25,000 visitors to the city this year.

It gives opportunities for people to participate in a range of ways and prioritises those who will most benefit from the experience by partnering with organisations working with deprived communities to offer priority access to free workshops and creating exciting street art projects that can inspire and support children.

Tahir Ahmed, Director of Estates and Campus Service at the University of Portsmouth, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the LookUP Portsmouth festival, which reflects the University of Portsmouth's dedication to supporting our city. Vibrant street art on campus enriches the student experience but also contributes to Portsmouth’s rich cultural landscape - something we’re very proud of.

“These murals serve as a testament to the power of art in bringing communities together and inspiring conversation and creativity!”

The festival map is available to download for free from its website.

Festival Director, Angela Parks, added: "We were delighted that University of Portsmouth offered us their walls for our event.  We had a great meeting with Chris Chang and Tahir Ahmed who described the University's vision and its relationship with its students and the city. From this Andy Phipps, Creative Director and Curator, identified artists who could create vibrant pieces that represented inclusion and community and we are really pleased at how these have been received."