Western Fair Welcomes New Marquee Attraction: The Summit
The Summit - a Global Urban Arts Festival within the Fair
The Summit is an urban arts festival within the Western Fair, that’s all about using the urban arts (from skateboarding through mural-painting) to make the world a better place. This youth-empowerment event grew out of a successful grassroots mural movement in London called The Wet Paint Initiative, which sought to “paint the change” the participating artists desired in the community.
“The ten-day festival within the Western Fair, will bring the largest murals and urban arts stars London, Ontario has ever seen LIVE,” said Ken Galloway, Summit curator, “a massive indoor skate-space, a giant photo installation, hands-on workshops, live mural painting and immersive change-making talks.” In an era where young people are craving deeper meaning in their daily lives, The Summit exists to connect their passions to their purpose.
Summit Highlights:
Critically acclaimed British-Mexican photographer Pablo Allison, will present his mind-expanding work (photographing the migrant caravan up from South America) against a 200’ wide canvas - while also leading a talk for Summit-goers and fair attendees.
A newly built Skate Park inside the Fair’s Community Pavilion will host some of the greatest talent from the world of action sports. Check out Ryan ‘R-Willy ’Williams (of Nitro Circus) an Australian pro BMX and scooter rider - widely regarded as the best in the world. Ryan will attend The Summit Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the Western Fair to run demo’s, judge contests, host talks, and lead workshops.
Joe Buffalo a professional skateboarder originally from Samson Cree Nation - Maskwacis, Alberta will also be ripping up the massive indoor Skate Park. A pillar of strength and perseverance, as the first Indigenous skate pro in Canada, an actor, public speaker, and advocate on Indigenous health; Joe’s story is one of resilience, hope, healing, and creating change through Skateboarding.
TJ Rogers on the other hand, is a fan-favourite Ontario skateboarder, that’s considered one of the greatest street skaters in the world.
Jon Julio is the Tony Hawk of rollerblading - and is coming to flex his skills and share his knowledge, while spreading the inline gospel.
Dua Flip and Milkbox the Artist are the two top stunt roller-skaters in Canada. In addition to their robust empowerment-based programming, they will also talk about how roller-skates have ushered ladies into skateparks in the most meaningful way ever. Furthermore, Milkbox is our only dual-discipline participant - and will be painting TWO MURALS - in addition to participating in all roller-skating programming.
Rime MSK, a.k.a Jersey Joe, an American graffiti artist, born in Brooklyn in 1979, pushes on the outer-walls of his art form, and is a member of MSK; the most-respected graffiti crew in the world. Coming fresh from painting a building-sized mural in Seattle, Rime will be creating a mega-mural on The Grove at Western Fair District (once known as the Progress Building), alongside Bacon, who is widely regarded as Canada’s top spray painter.
The Wet Paint Express is also back for its second year; a project that sends an urban art train painted LIVE at Western Fair, through the London Santa Parade later in the year.
Furthermore, a congregation of world-class artists will also lead our “Queens Park Mural Transformation” a lasting gift of art and culture, to the City of London. Artists will be working on the live mural painting in and around Queens Park at the Western Fair District throughout the 10-day fair, so stop by and check out their progress in person!
Lastly, The Summit continues to reveal top action-sports talent participating daily, to help build anticipation - so keep your eyes on https://www.instagram.com/westernfairsummit/
The Summit Pass $69 (All ages)
- 10 Days of Access to the Western Fair, Skatepark access for qualified riders, meet local and international artists. This ticket is valid for entry all 10 days of the Western Fair Summit. Tickets can be scanned once per day for entry. A handstamp will be required for the same day re-entry. Summit Tickets are non-transferable and must be used by the same guest each day, ID may be requested to confirm order details. Does not include any midway rides. September 6th - 15th, 2024. No refunds.
For more Summit details visit the website www.westernfairsummit.com or connect through Western Fair’s website www.westernfair.ca to purchase a Summit Pass for those interested in participating in skate competitions and workshops.
