Thousands of people are expected in Aberdeen this weekend to take in new street art across the city centre.
Award-winning festival NuArt has brought 13 international artists to the north-east to bring the city’s streets to life.
It is hoped the international line-up could bring worldwide tourists to Aberdeen.
City council co-leader councillor Jenny Laing said: “NuArt has been incredibly successful over the last two years and it’s a bigger and bolder festival this year.
“I believe it will attract not just local people, but will showcase the city and bring in visitors from all around the world.”
Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson said: “There was a bit of a risk bringing NuArt to the grey granite of Aberdeen and all that goes with our culture – but it’s been embraced by one and all.
“It’s really positioned Aberdeen as a cultural destination – not just in the UK but globally.”
NuArt was brought over from Aberdeen’s twin city Stavanger in 2017, and its trail has led thousands around the city centre over the past two years.
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It was imported by business improvement district Aberdeen Inspired and the city council.
This year’s signature piece, by Australian artist Smug, is a huge spray-painted portrait on the side of the Trinity shopping centre.
Organisers say it will “complete” the Green, as it stands opposite the showcase from their first north-east outing, on the side of the Aberdeen Indoor Market.
Nearby, Berlin artist Jan Vormann has been tasked with patching a wall above the Back Wynd Stairs using colourful Lego blocks.
He thinks some of the world’s best street artists have been brought to the city this week – and that the world will notice.
The 36-year-old said: “I was aware of the city, but not what was going on here.
“Street art is quite popular around the world and right now all eyes are on this.”
London-based Ben Eine is painting in the East Green, near Carnegie’s Brae.
He added: “I think it’s incredibly brave to try to make the city a more cultural place and I think Aberdeen will reap the rewards from it.
“This type of art crosses generations – everyone likes it from old ladies to little kids. Everything we do is completely different.”
Guided walking tours, starting at the Green, begin tomorrow at 1.3opm after the official public launch.
The tours will be run every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday until the end of September with booking is recommended.
The festival officially kicked off last night at the Belmont Filmhouse with a talk from artist John Byrne.
It was the first in a series of conversations, debates, presentations and film screenings this weekend, run as part of the NuArt Plus conference and fringe events.
There will also be local street food, drink, music and art at Inspired Nights on the Green at 4pm this afternoon.
