Poetry on the Billboards: Build Hollywood Opens Up Scotland’s Walls

Before Nuart Aberdeen 2026 officially begins, something quieter is already unfolding on the streets. Across Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, billboards are being handed over to the public. From 13 April, anyone passing by can stop and write. Whether that’s a line of poetry, a passing thought or something more personal.

Trackie McLeod one of Nuart’s Festival artists for 2026 bringing his message to a Build Hollywood Billboard. Photo courtesy of Build Hollywood

A Different Use of Space

In cities dominated by advertising, it’s a simple shift. Instead of telling people what to buy, these spaces ask something else entirely. Prompting passers by to pause, reflect and contribute. The street becomes less about consumption and more about participation.

Spaces have been made available in cities across Scotland. Photo courtesy of Build Hollywood

Poetry is in the Streets

The project ties directly into this year’s Nuart theme, “Poetry is in the Streets”. The organisation behind the billboards, Build Hollywood, are big partners of the festival. There’s a clear move to use the spaces they have influence over in order to support the wider ideas of the event. Bringing it across Scotland in a way only they can.

Write Your Poetry Here. Billboards have been appearing across Scotland for people to place their own messages. Photo courtesy of Build Hollywood

Opening Up Space

By opening up billboard space, it’s an idea that has been central to Nuart for some time now. That the streets are there for everyone. The city itself becomes something that can be written into to.

Bringing messages into the street is a core part of what Nuart has always been about. Photo courtesy of Build Hollywood

A Shared Approach

The collaboration with Build Hollywood builds on a shared belief that streets should be cultural spaces, not just commercial ones. Running until 27 April, ahead of the main festival (22–26 April), the project sets the tone early. All through fragments of poetry from everyday voices.

Robert Montgomery, another festival artist for 2026, with a message on a billboard. Photo courtesy of Build Hollywood

Nuart Aberdeen 2026

Dates: 22–26 April 2026
Theme: Poetry is in the Streets

Nuart Aberdeen is an internationally recognised street art festival which transforms the city into an open-air gallery each year. Featuring murals, installations, talks and events, the festival brings together leading artists alongside emerging voices, with a focus on art in public space.

Alongside large-scale works, the 2026 programme explores text-based interventions and the role of language in the urban environment, encouraging more accessible and participatory forms of expression.

Official Website | Instagram | Nuart Festival

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