This weekend Yardworks Festival returned to SWG3 for its fourth edition and the first since 2019. Transforming the venue’s vast indoor and outdoor spaces into a kaleidoscope of colour over two days, guests were welcomed into a world of artistic collaboration.
As one of Europe’s biggest events celebrating graffiti and street art, Yardworks Festival featured some of the most celebrated names from around the globe: Zurik, Bublegum and Balstroem as they painted side by side with leading Scottish based street artists Smug, Mark Worst and KMG with debut festival performances from Mr Cenz and Morf.
Starting from Eastvale Place and winding into SWG3, attendees saw the blank canvas of railway arches, wall space and boards transformed into a riot of colour throughout the weekend.
Indoors in the Galvanizers, Mia McGregor brought her participatory art project which sparks creativity wherever it goes. Over the course of the weekend, children and adults turned blank cubes into colourful explosions of collaboration. Glasgow’s original and best club night for kids and parents, Mini Maneuvers, kept the little ones entertained while there were also interactive art activities and workshops taking place – a weekend for all the family.
There was a range of delicious street food and drinks to enjoy in the sunshine.
Gary Mackay aka Gaz Mac, SWG3 Studio Director and co-founder of Yardworks, said: “I actually hadn’t realised how much I missed this until right now, having all the painters back in the yard, music on and sun shining has been amazing. A lot of these people are old and dear friends of mine and it’s great to see everyone catching up, supporting each other and of course making amazing art work, and the sun came out for us on our final day. We’re already thinking about next year and how we can continue to support and showcase all this amazing talent for years to come.”
Although some of the artwork is temporary there are permanent pieces for people to enjoy for years to come with large scale murals in progress in Partick by Molly Hankinson, Mark Worst and Voyder.
A selection of the boards painted will be displayed at the Glasgow University campus and art lovers also had the opportunity to take home one-of-a-kind prints, posters and more from the two galleries at SWG3.
Pictures: Michael C Hunter.
