Two Welsh street artists will be travelling to Qatar to take part in a festival of culture running alongside the World Cup.
The 2022 UK Festival will run from 23 – 29 November in Qatar and will have a particular focus on Wales and England as the two teams competing in the tournament.
Welsh street artists Bryce Davies and Hannah McGree and sports illustrator and photographer Tim Vyner will work with artists and young people in the host nation to paint murals at the Katara Cultural Village and take part in an exhibition.
They will work with Qatari artists Muna AlBader and Kholood Al Ali in two projects organised by the British Council and Street Child United.
The programme engages diverse communities and schools in Qatar, and young people from around the world, to explore UK culture and values.
Bryce Davies, aka Peaceful Progress, grew up in Cardiff and has been painting aerosol murals for 20 years. His works can be seen inside buildings and in public spaces around Wales with many themes and references drawn from the country’s culture.
Hannah McGree aka VOZIE was born in Cardiff has been painting for ten years, flicking between bold colourful murals and black and white. She also enjoys teaching young children within the arts and runs graffiti and art workshops in youth centres and schools in Wales.
The pair will be working with artists from Qatar, but will also be using the project as an educational opportunity for young people who have been involved with the Street Child World Cup – a charity competition that brings together street children from around the world to compete.
The competition organiser Street Child United works to promote the rights of street children, particularly in world cup host nations, calling for recognition of their legal identifies, access to education and provision of affordable health care facilities.
Bryce Davies said: “I’m really excited to be involved in such a meaningful project, and be part of helping to raise awareness of the great projects that Street Child United facilitate.
“To be able to travel and work in different countries as a mural artist is such a privilege. It will be an amazing experience to be in Qatar during the World Cup, especially as Wales have made history by qualifying and will be playing while we are there!
“Art is a great way to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. I’m looking forward to connecting and working with local artists and communities and bringing together our different cultures, while being able to do what I love.”
Hannah McGree said: “’I am beyond thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful project and to be painting in the beautiful country of Qatar.”
Rebecca Gould, Country Director British Council Wales, said: “Wales’s participation in the FIFA World Cup is also opportunity for Welsh artists. The British Council showcases the best of UK talent overseas and the UK festival in Qatar is a prime opportunity to showcase Welsh visual arts and music in particular.”
