It might be a while before Matias Martinez gets his dedicated street-art alleyway in downtown Calgary, but for now, he’s got a wall. Free Wall YYC launched Sunday night, around back of The Confluence facing the River Walk. It’s a space for anyone to come by and practice street art, running throughout the month of September as a pilot with several key events. Como se Dice art collective and Alcove Centre for the Arts teamed up with The Confluence to make Free Wall YYC happen. Many showed up for Sunday night’s launch party—some experienced street artists, some new to the world. Over the course of the event, a blank white wall disappeared under many a tag. Martinez, founder of Como se Dice and a mural artist, said he was thrilled by the turnout. “This is a need, and it really feels like it’s getting filled right now,” he said. Bethel Afework, founder of Alcove, said everyone involved had a feeling Free Wall YYC would go over well. “There have been young kids, older folks (and) people from all walks of life coming by and being so excited just to watch, just to indulge,” Afework said. “Maybe it’s the start of something.” Martinez said the goal is to have Free Wall YYC or something like it live past September. “My long-term ambition would be to get a whole alley in downtown Calgary,” he said. Martinez previously said initiatives such as Free Wall YYC allow for artistic growth without pushing paint in less-legal locations. Afework previously said it’s understood building owners might not want graffiti on their walls, and Free Wall YYC offers an outlet. The Free Wall YYC launch party ran until midnight. The event also included a dance party and vogue show with Pansy Club, as well as a queer market and clothing swap. There was indeed a lot of paint. And there were other arts and crafts and mingling opportunities, as well as food. Upcoming Free Wall YYC events: On Sept. 6, there will be a graffiti jam and workshop for kids ages six to 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. and a graffiti jam and workshop for youth ages 12 to 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. On Sept. 13, there will be an artist mixer and graffiti battle from 6 to 10 p.m. And the Free Wall YYC final jam will be on Sept. 27 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Details about, and registration for, the latter events are available at the above links. Youth event attendees require a guardian 18 years of age or older.
