RICHMOND, Va. — The last time the RVA Street Art Festival beautified a city space was in 2013, at the former GRTC Bus Depot. Thousands came out that fall weekend to the vacated, 5-acre industrial space, to witness and participate in its transformation over three days.
This year artists have their eyes set on the iconic Southern State silo complex along the James River and floodwall, on 14th Street, south of the Mayo Bridge. The focus will also include a large water tank, warehouse, and several out-buildings.
Murals, lighting installations, sculpture, musical performances and numerous other forms of performance art will be featured, organizers said.
This is the third edition of the RVA Street Art Festival. Organizers said the iniatives are to raise money for arts education for kids, discover and celebrate local artistic talent and revitalize blighted areas of the city to create new life and energy.
Second edition of the festival was held at Cary and Robinson Streets in 2013
The artists this year are LeRoy Henderson, Studio Two Three, Andrew Schoultz, Ed Trask, Mickael Broth, Chris Milk, Lynn Cazabon, PlantBot Genetics, Thomas Burkett, Vaughn Garland, Jennie Fleming, Deninis McNett and Ross Trimmer. Artist bios are here.
The 2016 festival will run April 21 -24, in Manchester.
There will be art, food, brews, music, a market and onsite steamroll printing.
This area will be a hub of activity, as the Manchester RVA Earth Day Festival takes place April 23.
Community organizers said they also hope to educate festival-goers on the history of the Richmond Slave Trail, which runs alongside the silos site.
More info here.
Facebook page here.
