Street art transforms JBR into open-air gallery

Dubai: Wild animals and sea creatures have taken over one side of the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) strip as part of a big global art festival celebrating the best of street art.

The second edition of The Dubai Canvas Festival kicked off on Tuesday over a 2km strip attracting huge crowds to view the 60 creations consisting of 3D wall murals, floor murals, optical illusion paintings and tape art.

Some of the most celebrated street artists in the world were seen at the strip, with some still putting the final touches to their works.

This year, the festival has expanded its reach and has attracted more than 30 well-known international, regional and local artists to not only showcase their exclusive pieces but to also engage and interact with the public over the next two weeks.

Organisers of the festival, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), in partnership with JBR, said a full schedule of activities and workshops will be held by artists on the sidelines of the festival, which runs until March 14.

“This event is part of the bigger celebration the city is witnessing for the next two months during the Dubai Art Season,” said Mona Al Merri, director-general of GDMO. “The Dubai Canvas Festival is one of the biggest festivals of 3D art worldwide, giving visitors a chance to experience and engage with great works showcased in this open-air art gallery.”

Al Merri said that as part of their efforts to encourage local talents during the festival, a community project will be taking place with the participation of 10 Emirati artists, who will work alongside one of the street artists to create an art piece.

Some of the most prominent artists that are expected to create a buzz during the event are inventor of 3D street art Kurt Wenner; New York-based artist and cyborg activist Neil Harbisson; Dutch pop-surrealist artist Leon Keer; Portuguese street artist Odeith; London-based graffiti artist Fanakapan; Chinese street artist Qi Xinghua; and Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra.

Al Merri announced the first 3D art prize in the world for next year’s festival, which will award three top artists who will work with the theme of happiness. “We would like to see everyone participate and share with us their meaning of happiness. The total award money will be $650,000 (Dh2.38 million),” she said.

The award will also have two other categories open for Emirati artists and a people’s choice award, she said.

What: Dubai Canvas Festival

Where: Jumeirah Beach Residence

When: March 1 to 14 from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 10am to 11pm on the weekend

Entry fee: Free