Fans of the Colors Festival were familiar with its ephemeral editions held in abandoned sites around Paris and its suburbs. Since 2021, this must-see event for street art and urban art enthusiasts transformed vacant buildings into immersive, colorful exhibitions. Today, the project is entering a new phase: backed by a successful crowdfunding campaign on Ulule, the Colors Festival is preparing to establish a permanent presence in Paris with the opening of a dedicated urban art museum, scheduled to debut in the coming months.
The precise location of this upcoming innovative museum has yet to be revealed, but the vision is clear. This future institution won't be limited to traditional street art: illustrators, photographers, sculptors, digital artists—all will be welcome to join the journey. What sets this project apart is the role entrusted to the artists themselves: beyond creating works, they will also serve as mentors and ambassadors of the space, actively shaping its programming by suggesting collectives and solo exhibitions throughout the year.
Out of the four patrons who responded to the call, some familiar names from the French and international urban scene: One Mizer, Jo Di Bona, Bruno Graffer, and Farid Rueda. These are regulars at the Colors Festival, and longtime attendees were delighted to run into them multiple times during previous editions.
Each sponsor is preparing their own solo exhibition, tailored to reflect their unique universe. Jo Di Bona, whose pop graffiti blends influences from Fauvism and popular culture, envisions an experience that is both immersive and personal—somewhere between a traditional exhibit and an imaginative journey. One Mizer, on the other hand, offers a baroque-inspired approach, with tapestries into which his artworks are seamlessly integrated, sparking an unexpected dialogue between contemporary art and classical painting motifs. The solo shows by Bruno Graffer and Farid Rueda are still in the works, but given their respective worlds, there's plenty to be excited about.
The museum's future won't rely solely on well-established names. The Colors Festival has always had a knack for spotting emerging talent, and this new chapter promises to be no different. Among the artists already mentioned as potential additions to the project are Tutodraw, Andrea, and Tyciesco. These names are buzzing on social media but haven't yet made their mark in traditional exhibition spaces.
On the collective show side, visitors can expect a dynamic and diverse lineup, featuring artists such as Chloé Kelly Miller, Agathe de Gennes, Alber, the duo MonkeyBird, Vinie, Nasty and L'Atlas.This impressive lineup promises a cohesive and engaging journey, designed to offer visitors a truly immersive experience.
Since the project is planned to unfold over several years, it reflects a genuine commitment to long-term vision, a departure from the quick-hit exhibitions that the Colors Festival has traditionally hosted. Artists interested in joining this journey are still welcome to come forward, as the museum is actively assembling its creative team. The location and full program will be announced soon. In the meantime, stay tuned to the Colors Festival's Instagram account to stay updated on upcoming news.
