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Top street artists heading to Monaco for UPAINT 2023

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/05/2023
upaint

For four days next week, the Promenade du Larvotto will be abuzz with the sounds of graffiti artists from the world over as Monaco welcomes back its vibrant UPAINT urban painting festival. 

Street art, formerly known as graffiti, had its roots in 1970s New York City, when young people used spray paint and other materials to illegally create images on the sides of buildings and subway trains. For decades, many didn’t understand the art and therefore found it offensive, but, as it is said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and these artists, called taggers, persevered. 

Fast-forward to today and street art is big business. A cousin to its original form, it is now a highly sophisticated and sought-after medium produced by talented artists, some of whom have become well-known globally. 

Monaco at the forefront 

Monaco saw the writing on the wall and has been at the forefront of recognising this art form. The Principality launched the Urban Painting Around the World (UPAW) festival, which morphed into UPAINT, some seven years ago and it continues to attract top artists.  

This year’s crew includes: Mon Devane and Lula Goce from Spain; One Truth Bros out of Switzerland; Norway’s Martin Whatson and Hama Wood; Stom500, Lord Anthony Cahn and Nils Inne from France; Woskerski of the UK; Iéna Cruz via Italy and the USA; Rylsee from Germany; and Monaco’s own Mr One Teas. 

The festival will also host interactive activities, such as the Street Art Challenge Junior, which is a showcase of Monaco’s secondary school students’ creativity. Visitors will also be able to walk through an exhibition of artworks from previous editions of UPAINT – some pieces of which will be on sale as limited edition prints – and express their own talents on a dedicated wall space.  

More than art

Organiser Alberto Colman, his team and the artists invited for this edition will all be supporting a new initiative from the Prince Albert II Foundation (FPA2), which is called Re.Generation and whose purpose is to foster the fulfilment of 10 young and talented candidates under 35 years of age to become tomorrow’s leaders in the field of environmental protection. 

The FPA2 will also be holding its 2023 Environmental Photography Award exhibition simultaneously on the Larvotto boardwalk.  

Creativity in the virtual world 

This year’s UPAINT will not only be in the vanguard regarding art, but in technology as well. It will be the Principality’s first cultural event to be held concurrently in the virtual world via DWorld, allowing more visitors than ever to take part and share in the experience.   

As in previous years, collectors will be able to bid on the finished artworks from the artists on the evening of the last day at an auction organised by the Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo (HVMC). Bidders will also be able to participate online through Invaluable.com and Drouot.com. 

UPAINT runs from 10am to 10pm on the Larvotto Promenade from 4th to 7th June. For more information, please click here. 

 

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.  

 

Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco

Football: Schoolchildren to compete in the first ever Munegu Cup

by: Elsa Carpenter
30/05/2023

Almost 300 schoolchildren from across the Principality will be donning their boots and team colours next week for the first ever edition of the AS Monaco-backed Munegu Cup.

On Monday 5th June, CE2 pupils from the Révoires, Fontvieille, Condamine, FANB and Saint-Charles schools will head down to the Stade Louis II to compete in Monaco’s inaugural Munegu Cup.

The event has been co-created by AS Monaco, at the behest of President Dmitry Rybolovlev, and the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS) as a way of promoting sport and team playing amongst young people as well as to highlight the “educational values of sport”.

In line with these goals, older pupils from Monaco high schools will be brought in to referee the matches as the teams bid for a shot at the Munegu Cup trophy.

“AS Monaco occupies a large place in the sporting life of the Principality and, in particular, in that of young Monegasques,” said Rybolovlev, who has thrown himself behind the planning of the competition as well as that of the wider Kids Tour, which has seen AS Monaco and its players travel the breadth of the region to meet young fans since September 2022.

“The practice of sport is essential for their growth and development, whether in terms of physical health, team spirit, dedication, character [or] discipline. AS Monaco deploys various actions for our young supporters and I am very happy that a new event for schoolchildren can see the light of day: the Munegu Cup,” he added, before thanking Isabelle Bonnal, the Commissioner General of DENJS, for her support in the project.

 

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.  

 

Photo by Monaco Life

Exhibition: The story behind Prince Rainier’s “Noah’s Ark”

by: Elsa Carpenter
27/05/2023

Monaco’s Jardin Animalier is soon to launch a behind-the-scenes photography exhibition depicting Prince Rainier III with the creatures great and small that he adopted and cared for. 

Prince Rainier was a life-long lover of animals. As a young boy, he spent many happy days at the Villa Ibéria, in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, surrounded by birds of all feathers as well as two beloved chimpanzees, Clovis and Tanagra.  

During a trip to West Africa in 1954, when Prince Rainier was in his early 30s, he welcomed onto his yacht some 30 orphaned and injured animals from the continent. Chimpanzees, crocodiles, monkeys, ostriches and more… the Deo Juvante II was transformed into a veritable “Noah’s Ark”, as described by the Prince himself.  

A few weeks later, they had all found a new, safe home at the Centre d’Acclimatation Zoologique de Monaco. A young Asian elephant called Buom-Nam, a gift from then-Emperor of Vietnam Bao Dai, and two lions called Pacha and Caïd also joined the exotic crew of animals that the Principality and its young Prince hosted within the safety and security of what would become today’s Jardin Animalier, which can be found in the Fontvieille neighbourhood.  

prince rainier jardin animalier
Monaco’s Jardin Animalier. Photo by Monaco Life

Many had been abandoned, some had been trafficked, others came from circuses, but all received the care and attention of Prince Rainier, who is said to have visited the park each morning to check in on its residents.  

Prince Rainier also personally oversaw a succession of redevelopments and extensions of the park, which will soon celebrate its 70th anniversary. Of course, public opinion and understanding of animals in captivity has changed greatly in these years, but Monaco and its current sovereign and the heir of Prince Rainier, Prince Albert II, continue to aim for the highest welfare standards for the park’s inhabitants. Today it is a verdant one-hectare space in which many creatures live harmoniously and – most importantly – happily.  

On 31st May, as part of the vast commemorative events that honour the centenary of Prince Rainier’s birth, the Jardin Animalier will launch an exhibition depicting the Prince in one of the places he enjoyed the most with a collection of intimate photographs. It will run until the end of this year. 

To learn more about the ‘Le Prince et ses animaux’ exhibition as well as the many other events set to take place in Prince Rainier’s memory, click here.  

 

Read more:

May 31st: Prince Rainier III’s 100th birthday celebrations

 

Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.

 

Photo source: Centenairerainier3.mc

Inaugural Grace Influential Positive Impact Award Grace to be handed out during Monaco GP

by: Stephanie Horsman
25/05/2023

The inaugural Grace Influential Positive Impact Award from the Princess Grace Foundation will aptly be selected and presented during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend to the Formula 1 team who has the best entry pertaining to the environmental or social sustainability.  

The Princess Grace Foundation was founded in 1982 by Prince Rainier III in honour of his wife, Grace Kelly. It continues her legacy with a prestigious awards programme that champions excellence and positive change across the arts and beyond.

This year, the Foundation is taking on a new angle as well, looking at those who have excelled in creating a positive impact for society and the environment around the globe. 

To that end, the 2023 Grace Influential Positive Impact Award invited all 10 Formula 1 teams to submit entries focusing on these topics, with a prize-giving ceremony to take place at Port Hercules on 26th May, at the start of the Grand Prix weekend in Monaco.   

JUDGED ON CERTAIN STANDARDS 

The teams’ submissions will be judged on specific criteria, including how well they work within the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework, as well as their philosophies and philanthropic achievements, which are at the heart of the Princess Grace Foundation’s work.  

“In establishing the Grace Influential Positive Impact Award, it has been critical that we build something worthy of Princess Grace’s legacy,” said Brisa Carleton, CEO of the Princess Grace Foundation. “Through our partnership with some of the most prestigious names in motorsport, we are thrilled to shine a light on the inspirational work going on across Formula One to drive progress in sustainability.” 

NEW PARTNERSHIPS 

The Foundation has also announced a partnership with Italian tyre company Pirelli, whose sustainability goals are being pushed throughout the sport’s world. 

“Sustainability is a fundamental pillar of Pirelli, fully integrated into the group’s vision and strategy for growth,” said Mario Isola, Head of Motorsport at Pirelli. “That’s even more true for motorsport, which has always been an extraordinary crucible for technical innovation that can then be transferred to everyday life.” 

Additional supporters who helped in the creation of the award come from top sustainability and sport strategic advisory firm Enovation Consulting and Times Square Live Media, who is providing media and development counsel. 

The winning Formula 1 team will be presented with artwork donated by renowned artist Dale Chihuly entitled Gilded Mediterranean Blue Venetian with Speckled Leaves.  

 

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Charles Leclerc’s All Star Drivers win World Stars Football Match

by: Luke Entwistle
24/05/2023
Charles Leclerc next to Prince Albert II prior to the World Stars Football Match

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc led the All Star Drivers to victory in the World Stars Football Match, the curtain-raiser for Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix.

The charitable match, which raises money for Star Team for the Children MC, has become a fixture in the Monegasque sporting calendar, with the biggest names from the world of Formula One facing off against stars from other sports, such as tennis player Daniil Medvedev, who graced the turf of the Stade Louis II during the 30th edition.

After last year’s draw, the All Star Drivers beat Star Team For The Children MC (4-3) to lift the trophy.

Leclerc, Gasly and Sainz form attacking trident

The All Star Drivers team fielded a front three consisting of Ferrari teammates Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, as well as Pierre Gasly, a close friend of the Monegasque driver. All had chances to make an impact on the game in an open and entertaining edition of the match.

Leclerc, who faceplanted the turf in the opening minutes, joked about his performance.

“I really don’t have any talent! Football really isn’t for me. I’m a bit ridiculous,” he said to RMC Sport. 

However, in such events, it is the spectacle that matters and, in front of Prince Albert II, both teams put on an entertaining match with the Monaco Grand Prix just around the corner.

 

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Photo by ACM / Peyret

Grand Prix: All the closures and diversions you need to know about

by: Elsa Carpenter
24/05/2023

Knowing how to navigate your way into, or around, the Monaco Grand Prix circuit is vital as the Principality hosts its biggest event of the year. 

An event like the Grand Prix, particularly given the urban setting of Monaco’s famous race track, is going to necessitate some disruption. Here’s everything you need to know about the diversions and closures ahead of kick-off on Friday 26th May. 

Partial and total road closures 

Vehicles will be prevented from accessing the following roads during official events, with closures beginning between 6am and 11.30am depending on the programme of the day: 

Quai des États-Unis, Route de la Piscine, Jules Soccal jetty, Darse Sud, Boulevard Albert Ier, Place du Casino, Avenue des Citronniers (up to the entrance of the Métropole), Avenue Princesse Grace (from Avenue des Spélugues to Boulevard Louis II), Avenue J.F. Kennedy, Boulevard Louis II, Avenue de la Madone (between its intersection with Avenue des Spélugues and Avenue de Grande-Bretagne), Avenue de Monte-Carlo, Avenue d’Ostende, Avenue des Spélugues, Quai Albert Ier, Avenue de la Quarantaine, Avenue de la Costa (between No.3 and Avenue d’Ostende), Rue Grimaldi (between Place Sainte-Dévote and Rue Princesse Florestine), Boulevard du Larvotto (between the Auréglia and Grande-Bretagne roundabouts as well as between Rue du Portier and the Auréglia roundabout) and the Rocher Albert Ier and Rocher Noghès tunnels 

Avenue des Papalins, between No. 13 and No.39, and Avenue Albert II will be entirely closed for the duration of the Grand Prix. They will reopen at midnight on the final day of racing. 

The Rocher Antoine Ier tunnel has been closed since Friday 19th May and will remain so until Tuesday 30th May at 6pm.  

Pedestrians and public transport affected 

Pedestrians will be prohibited from accessing Avenue de la Costa (between No.3 and Avenue d’Ostende) on the same days and at the same times as drivers.

Boulevard du Larvotto (between Rue du Portier and Rue Louis Auréglia), Avenue de la Porte Neuve, Rue des Remparts, Terrasse du Ministère d’État and the Saint-Dévote and Costa staircases will also be similarly affected unless the pedestrian has a ticket to the Grand Prix or an official document allowing them access.  

It is also forbidden to enter the grandstand areas on foot until the huge structures have been fully dismantled, which is expected to be completed by Sunday 18th June.  

Click here to see the timetables and deviations in place for the Compagnie Autobus de Monaco bus network during the Grand Prix. 

grand prix closures diversions
Officials will be working on removing any offending street parkers from Monaco roads in the run-up to the Grand Prix. Photo by Monaco Life

Limitations on the Rock 

On Saturday 27th May, from 7am to the end of racing, and on Sunday 28th May, from 6am to the closure of the event, the one-way system on the Rock, or Monaco-Ville, will be closed. This will affect the following roads: 

Avenue des Pins, Place de la Visitation, Rue Princesse Marie de Lorraine, Rue Philibert Florence, Rue des Remparts, Place du Palais, Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro and Avenue Saint-Martin 

From 5.30am on Saturday 27th May to the end of action the following day, vehicles with a registration plate from outside of Monaco will be banned from using the Avenue de la Porte Neuve.  

Little to no street parking 

Parking on Monaco’s streets will be by-and-large prohibited during the Grand Prix and, in some cases, the days that follow. A complete list of areas where parking is banned can be found here.  

Monabike and electric charging points 

The following electric vehicle charging points will be out of action until Tuesday 30th May: 

Rue Grimaldi, Rue Notari, Rue Louis Auréglia, Rue Princesse Florestine, Quai des États-Unis, Avenue de la Madone, Avenue de la Quarantaine and Boulevard d’Italie 

These Monabike stations will also be closed until Tuesday 30th May: 

Place Sainte-Dévote, Sauvaigo, Parking des Pêcheurs and Place d’Armes 

Those at Darse Nord and the Yacht Club will be shut down until Wednesday 31st May.  

More disruption to come after the Grand Prix 

The Quai des États-Unis, Route de la Piscine and Avenue J.F. Kennedy will be off limits to drivers from 8.30pm on Sunday 28th May until 8pm on Tuesday 30th May. A one-way system will also be in place for much of Port Hercules until Sunday 18th June as workers take down the grandstands.  

Access to Quai Antoine Ier will be impossible during the Grand Prix event, extending until Sunday 4th June for the section between Route de la Piscine and No.14.  

These areas will also be affected on Wednesday 24th May as final preparations take place.

 

Read more:

A guide to getting to and from Monaco during the Grand Prix

How Monaco’s most famous Grand Prix corners got their names

 

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Photos by Monaco Life