About Us

Our ethos of inclusion runs throughout our organisation, from our directors and core team to our volunteers and artists. We support artists and reach wide audiences, delivering a cultural programme with a strong community feel and welcoming environment for families, whilst continuing to improve accessibility.

We want to maintain and grow our role in local culture, supporting partner organisations, community projects and securing artist commissions. We want to further improve the quality of life in our community, continue to deliver financial and promotional benefits to local partners and businesses, and maintain Bristol’s standing at the heart of the international urban arts scene.

Upfest was founded in 2008, It  was originally conceived to get a group of 20 like-minded artists together for a day of painting here in Bristol, however the first festival quickly grew to 50 artists once the word was out, after securing a fantastic Bristol venue, the Tobacco Factory, the first Upfest took place.

Since then the festival has grown year on year with artists travelling from around the world to paint the walls across Bedminster. With over 400 artists now painting each year in front of 50,000 visitors, the festival has moved to a two week painting event culminating in the festival weekend taking place at Greville Smyth Park and the original venue the Tobacco Factory.

Outside of the festival, Upfest has a permanent HQ and gallery space in South Bristol. We project manage both public and private art installations, provide live artwork for events and festivals alongside place making activities.

For more information check out our project page