by Amelia Jane Day

Kingston comes alive with the arts every summer, celebrating the annual return of the International Youth Arts Festival, and this year we’re pleased to introduce the IYAF Art Walk.

Venues across town, including outdoor spaces, are being decorated with art installations, murals, ornamental glass, graffiti and abstract art, to name a few!

The Outside Collective - Graffiti Artists

Tucked away behind the Rose Theatre lies Emms Passage, an outdoor space often utilised for various art installations during the festival.

This summer, as part of the Art Walk, the passage comes alive with vibrant colours as a graffiti mural is installed.

Artist Simon has created a stunning piece and has since made additions, so a second visit is always advisable, you never know what may have been added!

A once boring bike shed has had an explosive makeover on the riverside near Bishop’s Palace, with a retro style graffiti mural by the artist Henry Buckle.

If you find yourself on the other side of town and near Surbiton, pop in The Lamb on Brighton Road and check out the serial graffiti piece by the artists Onion and Sky Hi.

What was once a plain white wall has now been transformed into a permanent mural which will stay as a proud part of the Art Walk.

The picturesque landscape of All Saints Churchand Gardens provides a serene environment for you to enjoy the large murals of abstract art which have been created and assembled outside by the artists Sam Cox and Christa.

Why not round off your visit by venturing into the Church to see the beautiful ‘Chorus’ sculpture installation by Jessica Wetherley?

Organiser Jessica Fulker commented on the work of the Outside Collective artists: “The graf murals were done to give street artists an opportunity to have a 'canvas' and for the wider public to see their highly skilled work as art – it is amazing how people’s opinions can be swung whenthere is a 'frame' thrown in”.

Woody's Bar and RestaurantUnique, quirky and welcoming - a perfect place to display the impressive artwork produced by a local children’s art group, run by Irina Gluzman.

All through the bar hang the beautiful paintings, all produced by children aged between 6-9 years old, as well as a gorgeous silk hanging made by the Patcham and Carden Park Youth Clubs originating in Brighton.

The Market Place

Why not pay us a visit on the weekends of July where we will be displaying the Art Walk’s Art Map, mapping out each venue used and what sort of art piece is displayed there, as well as hosting free live arts events and workshops.

Make sure you look out for Artist Rosie Brunning’s ‘Art Not Bins’ as you go!

Based on information supplied by IYAF Press Team.