The yearly urban painting event once known as UPAW is back in Monaco with a new name and a clear mission to support the Prince Albert Foundation and promote street art around the world.

Held from 17th to 20th June, the 6th annual Urban Painting Around the World (UPAW) is back, but with a new name that better encompasses the spirit of the event.

Now called UPAINT, the event is bringing together 14 of the world’s best street artists to create beautiful pieces infused with an air of “coolness”.

The concept was originally the brainchild of Alberto Coleman, who in 2013 saw a live art performance by legendary urban artist Mr One Teas and his partners Los Gringos. This spurred the idea of putting together a multi-day live art show to relay to the world the what street art has evolved into, as well as giving art collectors and enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of this cutting edge type of art.

The event has gone from being entirely artist-focused to becoming more participatory.

“We can tell that it is YOU who brings life to the event. It is about You, the performer, the audience, the collector… this strong connection between painting and you, each one of you – whether the artist, the art lover or a mere spectator – we wanted this “U” and “Paint” to become our message, our name, our identity… U PAINT!” say the organisers on their website. “The UPAW team designed UPAINT to become the new face of each future Festival, to visually symbolise our mission of bringing people together around this incredible form of art and supporting just causes, all around the world. Anywhere we go, the circle will start from YOU, and it will end with PAINT, coming from the most amazing urban painters.”

The tagline supports this enthusiastic message. U Come, U See, U Paint gives an all-inclusive vibe and even will be hosting interactive activities such as the Junior Challenge, which will showcase local secondary school kids’ creativity, an expo of works from previous festivals, and a wall that will let members of the public express their inner street artist.

The last day of the event at 6:30pm will feature an auction by Artcurial where fans can purchase their favourite pieces, in-person and, new this year, remotely by using the online auction space invaluable.com.

This edition will support the Prince Albert II Foundation’s Human-Wildlife Initiative, protecting wildlife in rural and mountainous areas in the South of France.

The UPAINT Monaco 2022 Crew of Artists are Alice Pasquini, Aura Aerosole & OLDHAUS, Bond Truluv, Bordalo II, Buff Monster, Curtis Hylton, Dan Kitchener, Dario Vella, Futura, Mr One Teas, Pez, Spok Brillor, The London Police, and Tim Marsh.

Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation