Running from tomorrow, August 11, until Sunday August 20, the festival has grown to an unprecedented scale this year. This has been made possible by a huge variety of supporters, and The Walls Project team have spent the past year pulling together a list of over 40 sponsors, funders, supporters and stakeholders.
After a long search for a headline sponsor that fits the ethos of the festival, Waterford Walls is delighted to have partnered with Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey. The Carlow-based distillers have come on board to support digital engagement, boost international reach and transform the festival hub located at The Forum in the Glen.
As ever, Waterford City and County Council remains a massive supporter of Waterford Walls, with its designation as a flagship festival. In addition to funding, Waterford Council supports the festival in a whole range of ways and across many departments, with logistical and moral support making this a real partnership. Waterford Council’s grant allocation allows Waterford Walls to add economic, cultural, artistic and community value, along with the growth of tourism in Waterford.
The Arts Council remains a dedicated patron as Waterford Walls has once again received funding as part of its Festival Investment Scheme. A new addition to this year’s programme is the festival’s Artist Residency supported by the European Festivals Association (EFA) and co-funded by the European Union.
A.Palval, an artist from Ukraine was awarded the European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists and will represent Waterford Walls in Belfast and Aielli, Italy as part of the scheme.
A key element of the festival is the material used to craft the art pieces. Paint suppliers include Colourtrend Paints and Montana Cans allocated by Hills Art.
Large-scale murals will be brushed across Waterford city and county by professional artists from Ireland and abroad. At the heart of the festival, community remains a valued aspect. A community wall will be painted with the support and engagement of locals in the area, with this wall supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. A panel talk funded by Creative Waterford will be another new addition this year.
The participation of International artists is supported by the Australian, French, Portuguese, Belgian and Spanish embassies, along with the Italian Cultural Institute and Instituto Cervantes. Waterford Walls appreciates the pride each embassy and institute provides for these artists travelling to Ireland.
Thanks are given to firm supporters at the Fitzwilton Hotel who is also the proud owner of a 2022 festival wall. The Forum will provide an oasis for the festival hub and connecting support from Number 21. Positive support comes from Rapid Cabs and digital mental health platform, SilverCloud by Amwell.
Over 30 blank walls have been submitted to Waterford Walls for painting this year.
Close and far, partners include fellow festivals such as Hit the North and Borgo Universo, along with international partners of Visual Voices and Hypermur. Local spaces at Garter Lane and the Theatre Royal play a supportive role. The Walls Project was recently transformed with a captivating rebrand by creative agency, Unthink.
Daily walking tours will bring visitors to the key walls dotted throughout the city, some dating back to 2015. Theatre Royal will host an intimate panel talk titled ‘Talking to the Walls’ supported by Creative Ireland on Saturday, August 19.
Family events include street art workshops with experienced artist, Peachzz. Live music will take place each night at the Forum, The Glen with a range of talents including Tebi Rex, Lauren Ann, Republik and Kazms. Tickets are limited for workshops and cocktails masterclasses and visitors are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
Information about Waterford Walls Festival, artist announcements and much more can be found here: https://linktr.ee/TheWallsProject. Follow them on Instagram; Facebook; and Twitter.
