Artists from across the world have returned to Southend for one of the UK’s biggest street art festivals, praising its “positive vibe”, community spirit and celebration of creativity.
Southend City Jam got under way on Friday, bringing more than 200 artists to the city for a weekend of live painting, exhibitions, workshops and street art installations.
Since launching, the festival has helped create more than 100 permanent murals across Southend, transforming walls and public spaces into a colourful open-air gallery.
Miguel Cuar, 38, an artist from Spain now living in London, said: "It is the fourth year that I have come here. It is a great event regarding the street art.
"They have managed to build a festival that gives a space to a lot of people, and I think that is positive.
"There are big names, small names and middle career artists. It is a really positive festival for everybody. That is why I keep coming back. I have got memories from the previous years."
Mr Cuar’s mural explored themes of personal growth and potential.
He said: "The inspiration behind my piece of art is about the potential each human has and how they should try to reach that potential. The name of the piece is ‘Not filling my fullest potential scares me.’"
The festival was organised by Southend Council in partnership with co-founders Karl Sims and Steve Hart.
Marc Lynch, an artist originally from South Africa, has attended for three years.
He said: "It’s been nice to see so many different stalls all working together in their own area. It’s a good gathering. I have been painting for nearly 30 years, and I’ve decided to keep it going. It started a mischief and turned into my saviour."
Edward Nottingham, 47, known as Ed209, praised the welcoming atmosphere.
He said: "It’s quite a nice, friendly scene. You can travel around to the various events and meet people. People are always stopping to chat and trying to get signatures from the artists."
For first-time participant Owain, known as Humble Cherub, the festival offered a chance to reconnect with old friends.
He said: "This is my first year involved but I’ve met quite a few of my friends already who I have known for years. It’s been good vibes.
"I wanted to create something related to the area, so I have designed a cuttlefish which can be found in the estuary here."
Paul Martin, who was working on a piece in Warrior Square, said: "It is my fourth year coming to this. A lot of us know each other but there’s also a lot of social networking. It’s a really great place for us."
Meanwhile, an artist known as The Last One was inspired to create a nostalgic piece after travelling in London.
Share