What started modestly in 2010, in fifteen years has grown into one of the largest graffiti festivals in Europe. The Berenkuil, that somewhat strange traffic intersection in East Eindhoven, has been provided with the most diverse graffiti works of art during that period. From letter pieces to post-modern graffiti, made by artists flown in from all corners of the world by Step in the Arena. The Berenkuil thus became a popular open-air museum, with an ever-changing collection. The festival transformed the area from a somewhat grim place for the homeless into a safe environment where people come all year round to admire the creations on the concrete walls.
In addition to the festival in the Berenkuil, Step in the Arena has also left its mark on the city. Over the years, various exhibitions, pop-up shops and graffiti competitions for children have been organized. Step in the Arena also curated many murals and advised cities in the Netherlands on how to deal with graffiti.
The fifteenth edition of this festival organized by Dynamo was also the last: all things must end. This year with a line up that mainly consisted of artists who were often guests at the festival.
Line up SITA 2024
Belin (ES), Smug (UK), Rams (NZ), Swet (DK), Zmogk (RUS), Stom500 (F), Riot 1394 (D), Zurik (ES), Cone the Weird (D), Dvate (AUS), Bios (UKR), Zeus (IT), Nean (B), Iota (B), Eyes B (B), Defo (B), Novadead (B), Dater (D), Reser (IT), Chas, Nash, Puaks, Nilko (F), Machine, Fleks, Pout (D), Norm (D), Studio Zepa (ZAF), Zime&Sektie, Danny Rumbl, Mr. June Gomad, Druid, Egoist, Sabotage, Kinos, Beyond, Lastplak, Joren Joshua, Marcel Thelen, Nasty Sons, Micha Debie, Otner, Tobias Klash, Olivier Schimmel, Sunk, Deshamer, Sapo, Saves, Wios, Zaseh92 (ES), Savie, Moron, Swase, Sept, Inca, Nozm, Puse,Serge KB, Sign, Rafe81 (D), Rek (D), DiscoDee (D),Simian Switch, Spoce, Dusk, Stain, Nyse, Stoke (D), Rize (B), Hoer (B), Sabeth (AUS), New2 (AUS), Jijon (Mex), Bulk, B-Art (B), Hanneke Wetzer, Wens (IT), Peste (IT), Demon (AUS), Acton (FIN) Real, Koesh,Dreft, Daeze, Gart Smits, Acse, Hosti, Rufe, Heksr, Heny (BE), Sowet (IT), Zark (IT), Loans (AUS), Aster (IT) , Briks, HMX, The Awkward party, Ane, Muuge Herder, Naomi King, Sjors Kouthoofd, Pewch, Beterblijleven, Amanda Guerra, Cartoon gang, Clone, Lenas, Padvinder, Peha, Uno, Earworm, DZIA (B),Nils Westergard (USA),Sarita Sharma (NEP), Niek Vergeer, Nadia van Luijk, Kiara Almeide Duarte.
This final edition of Step in the Arena was all about the farewell from Nash / Werner Zwakhalen. A dear friend and legendary graffiti artist that has inspired graffiti artists all over the world.
All images by LukeDaDuke
Young talents
Ona Salvador (ES), Mobiele Eenheid, Loup (B), Eva van der Klei, William Frog (B), Milou Laroussiyen, Rack, Woompy, Anouk Brand, Rvspèkie, Wenk.