Considered a scourge by many, graffiti has long been used by gangsters as signals and warnings, and by political activists to make their message known. In recent years graffiti has been recognised as an art form uniquely developed in the twentieth century. Today many of the best street artists are revered and many major cities are garlanded in vibrant wall paintings. The best graffiti is transforming dull and grey inner cities into open-air art galleries.
Those who follow us will know that we are always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to get around. Planning a holiday to see your favourite graffiti artists could be a great way to see the world, and you’re likely to see parts of the world where you would not normally go.
Montreal – Canada
Hosting two graffiti festivals each year, Montreal’s inner city is full of interesting and surprising graffiti. Murals painted by famous street artists have transformed many of the tall buildings and grey alleyways. The city has invested in the creation of public murals. Along the way, Montreal has gained a reputation for being a young and trendy city, sporting some of the best graffiti in the world. Even 2 days trip to Montreal may be enough to see the city well and check out some graffiti.
In June the Mural Festival is a celebration of the arts, and more particularly of great graffiti. Street artists from around the world compete for the opportunity to present work at this festival, producing more than eighty new works of art each year. This has made Montreal the world leader in Street Art.
Running for twenty-two years, Under Pressure, the world’s longest running graffiti festival celebrates the arts in August. Much of the art from these festivals is left behind making walking tours through Montreal highly enjoyable. If you know where to look there are hundreds of smaller works of art to be found in back alleys and in doorways.
Lisbon – Portugal
Great graffiti is to be found all over Lisbon, but plan transport ahe