We have tried to answer all your questions here, please read them first.
Still got a question? email artists@upfest.co.uk
What's new for 2023
After an incredible 2022 festival we have made the tough decision to not hold the festival in 2023 so we can focus attention into planning ahead for 2024
How do I register to paint at the festival?
Registration via this website will open in January 2024
When can I paint?
Due to the new two staged approach to the festival, once you have been confirmed you will receive details of when you can paint,
Where does Upfest take place?
Upfest takes place In Bedminster which is situated in South Bristol (about a 15 minute walk from the city centre). The Festival will take place at Greville Smyth Park, Ashton Gate Stadium and the Tobacco Factory.
How big are the painting spaces?
The space allocated will be based on what you request during registration, we have spaces from 1.2m x 1.2m through to full buildings if you are selected to paint one.
Individuals and pairs:
Small 1.2m wide x 1.2m high (4ft x 4ft)
Medium 1.2m wide x 2.4m high (4ft x 8ft)
Large 2.4m x 2.4m (8ft x 8ft)
XL 3.6m wide x 2.4m high (12ft x 8ft)
XXL 6m wide x 2.4 m high (20ft x 8ft)
Crews: (Below is the space per crew member. A crew of 5 requesting an XL space would receive an 18m x 2.4m sized space.)
Crew Medium 1.2m wide x 2.4m high (4ft x 8ft) per crew member
Crew Large 2.4m x 2.4m (8ft x 8ft) per crew member
Crew XL 3.6m wide x 2.4m high (12ft x 8ft) per crew member
What will I be painting on?
Unless you have been told you have a wall space, you will be painting on 12mm Plyboard primed with light grey emulsion.
How much does it cost?
Upfest is free! It is free to register and if you're accepted to paint, it's still free! It is also free for visitors to attend the festival.
Does Upfest pay for my materials?
Hosting 400 artists means we can’t provide all your paint but each artist will receive a small amount of free paint, an order form to select your free paint will be sent out once you have been accepted, you will also be able to order additional paint through us at a discounted rate, we recommend international artists use this service as many airlines don't allow you to travel with spray paint.
Does Upfest pay for my travel / accommodation?
No, Due to the number of artists attending the festival we can’t pay for individual travel or hotels, we can recommend some cheap places to stay (see 'Where can I stay').
My friend / crew member has now asked if they can paint with me, is this okay?
If you have been accepted to paint and another unregistered artist asked to paint with you, this is okay but you will need to share the size of the space you have been allocated. Unfortunately they will not be listed in the program / website and they will not receive any free paint.
Can I change the size of space I requested?
Yes, as long as we have the space available, email artists@upfest.co.uk with your artist/crew name and size you would like to paint and we will see what we can do.
I can no longer attend what do I do?
Please email artists@upfest.co.uk, with your artist name, this is really important to allow us to reallocate the space to one of the artists on our reserve list.
How do I get to the festival?
The nearest train station is Bristol Temple Meads this is a 20 min walk to the festival,
The nearest coach station is Bristol central station this is a 25 min walk to the festival
From Bristol city centre there is a bus service direct to North Street this is the number 24
Car Share, there are several car share websites available here are a few options
(gocarshare.com, blablacar.co.uk, liftshare.com)
By Bike, additional bike racks will be available at Greville Smyth Park
What’s the closest airport to the festival?
Bristol International airport 6.5 miles (airport bus or taxi’s available for transfer to accommodation)
or
Cardiff international 58 miles (train journey required into Bristol aprox 50 minutes), but worth checking as flights sometimes cheaper.
or
London Airports 100 miles (train / coach journey required to Bristol aprox 2-3 hours), but worth checking as flights sometimes cheaper.
When shall I arrive?
We recommend for artists painting at the festival, arrive on Friday so you are here ready to paint Saturday / Sunday, although Bristol is an amazing city you may wish to arrive earlier and enjoy what Bristol has to offer. For those painting pre festival, dates will be arranged directly.
Where can I stay?
There are many hostels, budget hotels, camping sites across Bristol, when searching use postcode BS31JF for nearest available, we strongly recommend you make a reservation as early as possible as they do get booked up in the summer months below are some of the local hotels, hostels, B&B available
The Full Moon hostel (Stokes Croft)
The Lanes hostel (Central)
Where do I go on the first day?
You will need to be at Greville Smyth Park for registration from 9.30am-10.30am.
I can’t make registration what do I do?
Head to the porduction office and the team can get you registered and issue your paint if you arrive late.
I’ve forgotten my registration number?
There will be lists up at registration on the day, where you can look up your number prior to registering.
Can I get my profile added to the Upfest website and festival brochure?
Yes, We will need a square profile image from you, it needs to be 600 x 600 pixels at 300dpi Usually it would be a picture of your street work or studio work. The image will be used to promote you both online and in the festival magazine, so find a good image.
Whilst some of you have provided us with a short profile already, please could everyone resubmit a profile up to 100 words (along with your profile image), describing you, your work and why you do it, Email to artists@upfest.co.uk
Do I get any free paint?
Each artist will receive a small amount of free paint or posca pens, an order form will be sent out early March
Can I order paint?
Each artist will receive a small amount of free paint or posca pens, an order form will be sent out early March, you will also be able to order additional paint through us at a discounted rate on the same order form.
I need other materials than spray paint or posca?
There are various shops in walking distance from the Upfest gallery that sell artist materials, rollers, emulsions etc below is a list
Lion Stores 219 North street hardwars store selling emulsions, brushes, ladders, tape
Wyatt & Ackerman 30 North st, Art supply store, card, acrylic paints, brushes,pens
Colour Centre 8 Sheene rd, BS3 4EG emulsion/ masonry paint, rollers, brushes
Wilko 142-146 East st, Art supplies, hardware
Where do I collect my paint?
All paint orders will be ready for collection when you register on the Saturday morning
Can I sell artwork?
Yes, there will be a number of art sales areas at this year’s festival looked after by our volunteers. The commission on this artwork is split 50% with the artist and 50% towards the festival running costs through the Upfest sales areas the following work can be submitted. Artwork MUST be submitted in advance of the festival.
Stock sheet downlaodable here
When do we need your artwork by?
Artwork and merchandise must be sent or delivered to the Upfest Gallery by 17th May
Can I bring my artwork on the day?
NO, we will not accept any artwork on the day or days leading up to the festival. The latest date to send us artwork or drop in artwork is the 17th of May.
What address shall I send my artwork / merchandise to?
Please send all artwork and merchandise to:
Upfest Gallery, 198 North Street, Bedminster, BS3 1JF
Please package your artwork well, damaged artwork will not be displayed, we recommend using a quality tube when sending artwork on paper.
Please include the Artworks & Merchandise submission form when you send us your items,
How long will my artwork be on display?
Artwork will be up for a minimum of a month, artwork on paper will be in the print racks at the gallery until they are sold or collected.
Will my artwork be on the Upfest website?
Unsold artwork from the festival will be added to the Upfest website, as this is a very very busy time for us it may take up to a month for your artwork to be added, to speed up the process we would ask that you email over images of the work, so please photograph all artworks you are sending to us.
Will you pay for my artwork to be returned?
No, you will be responsible for the cost of postage & packaging of any artwork you wished to be sent back if unsold.
Vat no GB 112 62 39 47
Registration no 7589162
Registered in England
Tel: 0117 330 5877
Email: gallery@upfest.co.uk
