Facing Intense Scrutiny by the Public
Under Pressure Graffiti Festival Celebrates 30th Edition in Montreal
Montreal's Under Pressure graffiti festival, founded in 1996 by graffiti writers Seaz and Flow, is celebrating its 30th edition this summer. Known as the oldest and longest-running urban culture festival of its kind in North America, Under Pressure has played a crucial role in the historical evolution and impact of the urban art scene.
Established at the intersection of Henri-Julien Avenue and Mont-Royal Avenue, the festival has contributed significantly to the development and visibility of graffiti and all elements of hip-hop culture locally and internationally. Managed by volunteers deeply rooted in hip-hop culture, Under Pressure aims to recreate the feel of 1970s New York block parties, supporting graffiti artists, street artists, DJs, MCs, and dancers.
Over the years, Under Pressure has elevated graffiti from vandalism to recognized urban art by providing artists with dedicated legal spaces for creation. It has nurtured local talent and enabled international networking within hip-hop and street art communities. The festival has also influenced Montreal’s reputation as a vibrant city for street art alongside other major festivals like MURAL.
Under Pressure supports positive youth development and community pride through shared public cultural events. This year, more than 150 DJs, visual artists, and dancers will perform over the weekend of August 9th and 10th. The festival will feature block parties, youth workshops, access to a skatepark, and scratching sessions.
Notable figures like Choclair and El Da Sensei, considered godfathers of old-school hip-hop, will headline the event. DJ Melodrastik, who credits Under Pressure for launching her career, will return to the festival and teach her daughters about its history. Camaraderie and mutual support are the guiding principles for the festival's organizers.
Under Pressure stands out by relying on a community-based and volunteer-driven formula. It is recognized as the world's most enduring graffiti festival and does not rely on publicity, major press releases, or lucrative sponsors. The festival has been organized in cities beyond Montreal, including Toronto, Calgary, Quebec, and New Caledonia.
Joseph Garque, coordinator of Under Pressure, notes that the festival played a significant role in the creation of events like the Mural Festival, Canettes d'épinette, Canettes de ruelle, and House of PainT. Under Pressure has launched the careers of urban art talents like MissMe, A-Trak, and Alain Macklovitch.
As the festival gears up for its 30th edition, organisers encourage attendees to immerse themselves in the original spirit and essence of hip-hop and block parties, emphasizing community gathering, music, and aerosol paint. To get in the mood, Sterling Downey, Joseph Garque, and Melodrastik suggest five songs: Out for Fame by KRS-One, Cantaloop by Us3, I Can by Nas, Quality Control by Jurassic 5, and Live on Stage by Dilated Peoples.
Best of all, the festival is free for attendees, making it an accessible and enjoyable event for everyone. So, mark your calendars for August 9th and 10th and join Montreal's vibrant urban art community in celebrating three decades of Under Pressure!
Sources: [1] Under Pressure. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.underpressure.ca/en/ [2] Montreal Gazette. (2016, August 10). Under Pressure turns 20: Montreal's graffiti festival celebrates its anniversary. Retrieved from https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/under-pressure-turns-20-montreal-s-graffiti-festival-celebrates-its-anniversary [3] MURAL. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.muralfestival.com/en/ [4] CBC News. (2016, August 10). Montreal's Under Pressure graffiti festival celebrates 20 years. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-s-under-pressure-graffiti-festival-celebrates-20-years-1.3710504 [5] The Concordian. (2016, August 10). Under Pressure celebrates 20 years of graffiti art in Montreal. Retrieved from https://theconcordian.com/2016/08/10/under-pressure-celebrates-20-years-of-graffiti-art-in-montreal/
The government and Montreal's authorities are expected to support the 30th edition of Under Pressure, a renowned urban culture festival that celebrates graffiti, hip-hop music, and lifestyle. This year, the festival will honor its roots by featuring block parties, youth workshops, and various performances by DJs, visual artists, and dancers, aiming to immerse attendees in the authentic spirit of 1970s New York block parties.
