A city council leader yesterday hailed a renowned street art festival as an event which could help Aberdeen recover from the oil and gas downturn by boosting culture and tourism.
The second Nuart festival was officially launched yesterday morning at Union Row – the home to four new pieces of art based in an area organisers described as an “under used” part of the city.
First started in Aberdeen’s twin Norwegian city of Stavanger, the event in the city is organised by business body Aberdeen Inspired and the city council.
Nuart has been set up as an opportunity for Aberdeen to leave behind all the economic troubles it has been hit with over recent years and it is also a chance to attract new businesses and investments as well as tourism.
Festival artists from Argentina, Lithuania, Norway, Portugal and the UK have been working across the city centre throughout the week, with a weekend of events planned.
The pieces will remain on the buildings permanently, creating a lasting legacy.
City council co-leader Jenny Laing said: “We have had troubled times in the recent past. Our economy has taken a hit with the downturn that we have seen but that makes it all the more important that we step forward, not just as a local authority but by working in partnership with others in the city.”
James Finucane , general manager of Nuart, revealed that the popular festival would be returning to the city for several years.
He said: “The city council took a risk with us last year and now we have agreed to come back for three more years and it is amazing to have that support, security and the ability to plan.”
While Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson said: “It is well documented that we need to diversify and grow our local economy and we look to work with others and bring the very best of festivals and events to this great city. Nuart Aberdeen is one of them.”
