Among the midway rides, barn animals and deep fried treats, a new Western Fair exhibit is showcasing urban arts and athletics to London fairgoers.
The Summit, which runs the full two weeks of the fair, features professional skateboarders, BMX riders and rollerbladers alongside graffiti artists and muralists at the Agriplex until September 15.
Ken Galloway, event curator, says the goal of the Summit is to inspire young Londoners to pursue their passions in all types of arts and athletics without permission.
“We’re celebrating the possibility of changing the world using things that people told you not to do growing up, like skateboarding and painting murals on walls,” said Galloway.
“All of these subcultures cultivate strong-willed individuals who are willing to do the things they believe in because they believe they’re worth doing.”
The 10-day event explores urban art, which refers to visual art that exists in public spaces, and brings it together with athletic activities that also take place on the streets.
“It’s definitely something that historically has been frowned upon,” said Alayna Hryclik, a local artist who will be one of several artists painting the buildings that surround the fairground’s Queen’s Park.
“We’re reclaiming urban arts as a way to beautify our neighbourhoods and add interest for residents, visitors and all people,” she said.
In the middle of the fair’s Agriplex building, which also houses a market and food vendors, local and international pro-athletes will be taking over a large-scale skatepark.
“It’s good to have these events because it shows the public that skateboarding is very positive,” said Joe Buffalo, a skateboarder originally from Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis, Alberta. “It’s very much inclusive and there’s no ceiling to it at all.”
Throughout the fair, the Summit’s skatepark will be open daily for qualified riders to use. Many of the featured athletes and artists are hosting workshops to share their knowledge with the community.
The Summit comes one year after the Western Fair worked with Galloway’s mural project, The Wet Paint Initiative, to paint an agricultural train. This year’s exhibition brings public artwork and urban activities to a larger scale.
“Our Summit exists to harness all these incredible voices and energies, and to amplify the incredible work they’re doing by bringing it all together,” said Galloway.
“We want [Londoners] to see the passion and we want that passion to be infectious.”
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