Exploring the Vibrant Street Art Scene in Cardiff City

There is no better time to appreciate street art in Cardiff than now, with new pieces regularly popping up all over the city. The capital of Wales is famous for its rich history, beautiful buildings, and diverse street art scene.

As you navigate the streets, you’ll encounter a lot of colours, shapes, and stories on the walls, from murals that raise HIV awareness, to paintings that promote safer cities, all brought to life by the talented artists who have turned Cardiff’s walls into canvases.

To discuss the street art scene in Cardiff, one must acknowledge UNIFY, a Welsh creative collective actively promoting inclusivity within sports and celebrating the city’s multicultural society through impactful artwork.

Yusuf Ismail and Shawqi Hasson are the creative duo behind the collective, and they are always eager to share the inspiration behind some of their greatest pieces,

Mona Lisa

This mural, also known as Cardiff’s Monalisa, was created by Bradley Rmer as a recreation of the key photograph from the, “My City, My Shirt” campaign by UNIFY. The purpose of the mural is to celebrate the contribution of black and diasporic communities in Cardiff while also symbolising the real desire for change and progress. Unify kicked off their My City, My Shirt campaign through this portrait. Yusuf, the co-founder of Unify, says, “There was never any black mural per se before this. I think there’s nothing like it in Wales. It has something that is very unique and very prominent.”

The mural is located on James Street, Cardiff Bay, near the Wales Millennium Centre.

My Cymru, My Shirt

This is one of the 23 portraits created for the “My City, My Shirt” art campaign during Black History Month. This project aimed to normalise people of colour wearing the Cardiff City shirt and feeling represented in the world of football. When asked about the inspiration behind the piece, Yusuf responded, “In Wales, people who are from black and brown communities like me don’t necessarily have the greatest self-expression to celebrate their heritage and identity; we aim to use this to bring different communities together.“

The mural is located on Quay Street in Cardiff city centre.

Born Down Tiger Bay

Another piece of Cardiff street art is Born Down Tiger Bay by Regan Gilflin and Unify. It is a celebration of two of Cardiff’s local music legends, singer Patti Flynn and jazz guitarist Vic Parker.

The mural is located on the hoardings along Lloyd George Avenue by the railway.

Cardiff’s streets are colorful with lively art! Explore popular spots like Cardiff Bay area and the city center, where artists showcase their work on modern and old buildings.

This is Flora

The painting, “This is Flora: A Tribute to Sisterhood and Black Women” was created in Black History Month to celebrate the role Black women play as the bedrock of our community. It was designed by Unify and painted by Primemuralarts.

The mural is located at Cardiff University.

Safer Cities Initiative

The artwork at the subway under Boulevard de Nantes is part of the “Safer Streets” campaign that seeks to tackle violence against women and young girls by making our streets safer.  The aim of the project is to transform a neglected city rail in the heart of the city using art and transform it into a vibrant, safe space for all. It was designed by Unify and painted by Hasan Kamil.

The mural is located at Boulevard de Nantes

Peaceful Progress Organisation

This mural is a piece by local artists from the Peaceful Progress organisation. It depicts a large red dragon ferociously breathing fire across the wall and greeting fans and supporters heading towards the famous Millennium Stadium, which is the landmark of modern Cardiff. The dragon is the symbol of Wales, and the sentence written next to it, “Croeso i’r Ffwrnais,” means, “Welcome to the Furnace.”

The mural is located on Wood Street, close to the Millenium Stadium.

Message for Peace

The mural was commissioned by Urdd Gobaith Cymru for the 2023 Neges Heddwch (message of peace), which was the Urdd’s 2023 Peace and Goodwill message of anti-racism. The message was, Call. Them. Out / Galw Nhw Allan. It features Nia Fajeyisan, a young welsh footballer. It is another incredible painting by Bradley Rmer and Unify.

The mural is located on Moira Terrace, Adamsdown

HIV Awareness

HIV survivor Mercy Shibemba served as the muse for this piece. In her own words, “Stigma means that people living with HIV get trapped in an uncomfortable silence. Society is good at avoiding and silencing difficult conversations. It’s a way to survive, but no way to thrive. I had to find my own way to thrive.” The artist, Bradley Rmer created this artwork to raise awareness about HIV among the local communities in Cardiff.

The mural is located on James Street.

While street art is ever-changing, Cardiff has taken steps to preserve significant pieces. Some artworks have gained cultural importance and are protected, allowing them to become landmarks. These efforts not only celebrate the artists’ contributions but also contribute to the city’s story.

If Cardiff’s street art scene is to teach us anything, it is that art can be used as a force for good, helping to promote the most influential community initiatives. Through Unify, Yusuf hopes to make the city a colourful canvas for all kinds of people. “I just hope these projects provide a platform and inspire others to take ownership of their identity and their narrative, particularly black and brown creatives from Wales.”

Read more Art & Culture Stories from KLATMAG

Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo