Happy New Year from Paris!
Time to look back on the year and set new goals.
Ciao,
How have you been?
This month, my letter comes to you from the heart of Paris. I've just wrapped up a joyous family gathering - my cousin's wedding - amidst our big, fat, Italo-French family. Now, I find myself in the big city, ready to embark on an exciting journey, a first of its kind shared with you, the readers of BLocal.
The dawn is nearly upon us, yet Paris seems to have just retreated to slumber. Somewhere, the night's festivities might still be in full swing, but the general atmosphere now is one of tranquility.
I was so excited that I woke up early, looking forward to meeting some of you face-to-face and exploring a new city together. This adventure is all about moving past just chatting online and actually meeting up in person.
I'm usually tired of talking through screens (except for our monthly newsletter, which I really love, because of the lively chats we have. So, don't stop replying to it! Keep those great chats coming!), thus the thought of seeing you in real life is really thrilling.
As the year draws to a close, it's a time for reflection and setting new goals.
What parts of your life are going really well?
What's taking up most of your time, thoughts, and energy?
What new things should you start doing?
In my journal over the past few mornings, I've been thinking about these questions. The only one I'm sure about is the last one - I'm all for more travel, more festivals, and working on more projects!
Also, this time of thinking has led me to a decision: I want to go back to the origins of the BLocal project. That means spending a lot of time being a local in different cities and writing about those experiences. I'm not sure yet how I can balance the BLocal way of life with being more grown-up (I was 25 when I started the blog), but my big goal for 2024 is to really try hard to make this happen.
What about your goals for 2024? Here's a fun fact - sharing your goals with someone else can actually help you achieve them. It's like turning your ambitions into a shared adventure, making them more real and giving you an extra nudge to make them happen.
Hit 'reply' to this email and share your 2024 goals with me. Can't wait to root for you!
Until next month,
Giulia
ps. With the end of the year approaching, I'm updating my media kit with the wonderful experiences from 2023. If you'd like to work with me in 2024, reply to this email and I'll forward it to you.
Travel with me
As I prepare to embark on this long-awaited first trip with you, I'm already thinking about where to go next. And since I want to travel with you for this next journey as well (I was thinking between April and May, what do you think?), it makes sense to let you decide where to go.
Please note: As it was for Paris, you can book from one day to the entire week, so for example, if you're only interested in Madrid or only in Belgrade, there's no need to also come to Valencia or Sarajevo. Let me know which trip interests you the most, so as soon as I return from Paris I can start organizing our next journey together, focusing on street art and offbeat travel!
NEW on the blog!
This month I have been engulfed in writing texts for the urban walks of Paris (between itineraries and artist bios, I have written more than 100 pages, it could almost make a book: would you be interested in such book? Let me know!), and unfortunately, I have had to neglect the blog.
However, two articles have been published concerning the Blind Walls Film Fest, one in which I review all the films seen during the festival (providing, when available, a link to the full-length movie) and the transcription of the Q&A I did with Kristina Bohres and David Demougeot, which sparked many interesting reflections about urban art.
Just a final note on my weekend in Breda: it wasn't all about the movies. I've thoroughly roamed the city to craft the ultimate street art travel guide for Breda, just for you. While it's not published yet, you can access the Breda Google map I made for this adventure on the blog. Just click the "Here are ALL my maps" button at the bottom of this newsletter.
Exploring Urban Narratives at Blind Walls Film Fest 2023
Grab your popcorn and get comfortable because today we’re going to talk about all the amazing movies and shorts I’ve watched over the weekend of Blind Walls Film Fest 2023!
Q&A Following the Screening of “Juste Ici et Pas Ailleurs”
This Q&A followed the screening of “Juste Ici et Pas Ailleurs”, focusing on the public art festival Bien Urbain (Besançon, France), one of the most genuine festivals out there.
Our conversation brimmed with captivating insights, prompting me to transcribe it on the blog for those who couldn’t be part of the film festival experience.
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With Yours Truly
I've recently updated my "With Yours Truly" playlist on YouTube with a new video. This engaging short documentary, directed by Janice Wu and Evan Pey, showcases the story of Rome's vibrant street art scene.
The film includes insights from pioneer street artist Alice Pasquini, street art photographer Jessica Stewart, my friend and fellow street art guide Giorgio Silvestrelli, and myself ;-)
Enjoy!
Best of 2023!
Most read articles from 2023
“Street Art in Sardinia: From Political Muralism to Contemporary Urban Art” (July 2023)
“Best Vegan and Vegetarian Food & Restaurants in Rome” (January 2023)
“Behind the Scenes of IBUG 2023 Urban Art Festival” (August 2023)
“Rewilding the Streets with Nuart Aberdeen” (July 2023)
“Street Art in Rotterdam: Exploring Vibrant Neighborhoods and Awe-Inspiring Murals” (October 2023)
Most read newsletters from 2023
“Street Art, Tragedy, and Social Media” (November 1st)
“Urban Exploration and Creativity in Leipzig” (September 1st)
“Street Art with a Social Impact” (May 1st)
“Whose Walls Are They, Anyway?” (October 1st)
“Beyond Tourist Trails” (August 1st)
Well ... I love good street art, but I’m old and have some handicaps. The world you grew up in is so different than mine that I hesitate to even write this, but the video looked like it was done by someone who forgot to take their ADHD meds. I couldn’t finish it and abandoned the rest of the post. I’m probably not your target audience, so you can safely ignore this, but so many people your age have taken this rapid fire, image every 2 seconds approach that it has become a brand itself. I guess it depends on who you want your audience to be. In the E.U. The average age is about 45 and one in five is over 65. A large chuck to ignore. D in Coimbra Portugal. Maybe next time.