Welcome to the Festival “Art?! In Streets and Courtyards” at the Pegasus Courtyard

On 29 and 30 July, the Pegasus Courtyard is hosting a two-day “Art?! In Streets and Courtyards” festival. This free event will feature presentations and discussions led by street art experts, aiming to inspire attendees and cultivate a deeper appreciation for high-quality artistic expression.

The festival promises enlightening lectures and stimulating discussions led by professional street art theorists and practitioners. These experts will impart their knowledge and ignite an artistic spark. As the day wanes, mellifluous music spun by DJ Ricardi B (otherwise known as Rihards Bražinskis) will add a layer of creative ambience and easy relaxation to the festival evenings. Festival guests will also have the chance to engage in lively discourse with figures from the street art world.

Graffiti art often sparks controversy, sometimes being mistaken for mindless vandalism. It can be a challenge to discern between a masterpiece and mere defacement. But through a captivating and energetic exploration, we will try to find out the essence of street art and what separates it from vandalism.

On July 29th, at 16:00, graffiti and street art historian Rihards Bražinskis will unveil the multifaceted world of street art, dissecting its various forms and manifestations. He will also shed light on the underlying principles that differentiate art from vandalism.

Later that day, at 17:30, guests are welcome to join a discussion with Agita Ansule, the Chief Artist of Liepāja, alongside the artist Uldis Rubezis and a representative from the State Police, who will engage in a lively discourse about the established norms and legal boundaries that govern street art, while also touching upon the responsibilities of the artist and the rights of property owners.

The discussion will address the challenges and legal implications posed by unauthorized street art and defacements, which appear in Liepāja, infuriating the property owners and leaving a negative impact on them. Representatives will also discuss the municipality’s role in facilitating the creation of high-quality murals, offering insights for aspiring artists on the process and potential support available. Uldis Rubezis, the featured artist, will share his technical expertise on bringing these artworks to life. The discussion will be moderated by participatory expert Vilis Brūveris.

As the evening unfolds, at 18:45, an opportunity for participants to get their hands dirty (in the most delightful way possible) – a stencilling workshop led by Dainis Rudens. Dainis Rudens, the artist who gave life to Liepāja’s first large-scale mural, “Skaņu Vīrs” (Sound Man) made as part of Liepāja Art Forum 2015 and author of several other street-art works in Latvia and Europe, will instruct in the art of stencilling as participants design their very own shopping bags.

On July 30th, from 15:00 onwards, a select group of four participants will have the privilege of participating in a creative masterclass under the tutelage of Dainis Rudens. The energetic beats of DJ Ricardi B will provide the perfect soundtrack for this artistic immersion. Active participation in the workshop requires prior registration, but all are welcome to observe and be inspired.

During the festival, a large-scale mural by the ingenious Uldis Rubezis will come to life in the Pegasus Courtyard, with the support of the Liepāja Culture Department and the Kurzeme Planning Region. The entire creative process will be on display for all visitors to the Pegasus Courtyard, offering a glimpse into the artist’s mind and method. The future mural promises to be more than just a visual adornment for the Pegasus Courtyard; it aspires to spark reflection and ignite conversations.

We eagerly await your presence at the “Art?! In Streets and Courtyards” festival on July 29th and 30th at the Pegasus Courtyard, located at Kuršu iela 20 in Liepāja.

Remember, art thrives on interaction – when we lend an ear, observe with keen eyes, engage in discourse, express our appreciation, and share our experiences. Only through collective participation can we elevate our creative spirit to even greater heights!

The festival is sponsored by the State Culture Capital Foundation, Kurzeme Planning Region, and the Liepāja Municipality Civil Society Organisations Project Competition.

Photography and filming will take place during the event for promotional purposes.

Stay tuned for further details and exciting updates!

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