Mystery artist Banksy boosts interest in street art travel

Contiki’s latest Detour Mini Adventure addition has art lovers and travellers in a frenzy over Banksy’s latest works, encouraging a surge in the exploration of street art both locally and abroad.

Banksy, Stoke Newington. Image: Supplied

Notorious for his humorous and edgy art peppered all across the United Kingdom, Banksy – the world’s most famous unknown artist – has struck the streets of the UK again after recent works appeared in traditional seaside towns across Suffolk and Norfolk.

Since the surge of interest in his street art, youth travel brand, Contiki – famous for its unique experiences – has been receiving hundreds of queries on UK tours based on Banksy spotting. Travellers keen on swapping their ‘staycations’ for ‘spraycations’ prompted the travel company to trawl the archives and the streets of Britain to uncover 24 of Banksy’s bests that can be viewed on a 24-hour Contiki tour.

Travellers swap staycations for spraycations — *Travellers are keen to swap ‘staycations’ for ‘spraycations’ now. Image: Supplied*

The ‘Banksy 24 in 24 hours’ tour is due to be rolled out this European autumn, with a dedicated page to register interest already up on their website. The tour will form part of Contiki’s Detour Mini Adventures range and by registering your interest for this tour, you will be one of the firsts to be informed of its launch.

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If you are an art lover who likes to travel, the dedicated ‘Banksy 24 in 24 hours’ trip might just be right up your alley as it will take you over the length and breadth of the United Kingdom to search for and soak up some of the most famous works of the mysterious street artist.

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Contiki plans to also include entry to the acclaimed Art of Banksy Exhibition in the tour, as well as a graffiti masterclass by Hamer, a London-based mixed media artist who specialises in stencils and detailed pieces similar to those of Banksy.

Spraycation — *What about a Banksy-inspired spraycation? Image: Supplied*

If you are unable to travel to the UK for this exciting tour, there are also a number of local street art tours to tap into:

Past Experiences

Jo Buitendach is the leader of Past Experiences, Joburg’s Original Walking Tour Company. Her care for Johannesburg’s inner city and its graffiti and art is evident in Past Experiences’ tailor-made tours, led by young, hip Joburg City experts. Past Experiences is wellknown for its excellent street-art, public art and graffiti-themed tours of downtown Joburg.

MainStreetWalks

Led by Bheki Dube, who is the founder of Curiosity Backpackers in Maboneng on the Eastern side of Joburg’s city centre, the MainStreetWalks allows people to rediscover Johannesburg by foot, but also by public transport while making use of Rea Vaya buses. Apart from the Art and Justice tour and the Inner City tour, you can also opt for the Maboneng guided walk, which boasts an incredible collection of graffiti and street art.

JUMA Art Tours

JUMA Art Tours is all about allowing visitors the opportunity to explore Cape Town, its people and their art. On these tour, you won’t just learn about the awe-inspiring neighbourhoods of the area, but you will also help to support and uplift local communities. The murals seen on the tour have all brought communities together in some or other way, which makes the art on these tours so much more special and unique.

Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour

Hosted by a local artists who have contributed to numerous murals, the 90-minute Woodstock Street Art Walking Tour is filled with artistic elements around every corner. The tour gives you the opportunity to explore amazing street art, murals and galleries with a local guide who is able to give you insight on all the art pieces you encounter. As it is a walking tour, you’ll also be able to engage with locals and truly see how the murals brighten up the area.