WHAT IS STREET ARTS?

Street Arts is the umbrella term used in the UK for performances in various genres (theatre, dance, circus, spectacle, music or any combination of the above) that are created for outdoor and public spaces. In other European countries, in particular France and Spain, Street Arts is seen as an important artform in its own right. Street Arts is often used for large scale openings, launches where the aim is to capture the attention and imagination of the public (and media) such as openings of major games, bridges, venues the Channel tunnel etc.

The current wave of Street Arts dates from the 1960s and 70s when for social and political reasons, numerous artists and performers in the USA and Britain rejected conventional venues and started to work outdoors (amongst the most influential of these was Welfare State International, now Lanternhouse International, based in Ulverston). The original boom lasted about ten years and during the period, British groups toured extensively in Europe inspiring artists throughout Western Europe (especially France). There was a lull in the 80s but in the 90s, a number of international festivals were created in British cities (Stockton, Manchester & Brighton) and since then there has been a steady growth in the sector.

Street Arts will play a major role in cultural and tourism developments from 2007 and in both Liverpool’08 and the Cultural Olympiad to 2012.

To find out more click here for the Independent Street Arts Network.