UPAINT Monaco: Three Young Talents Win the Street Art Challenge Junior Ex Aequo at the Festival’s 10th Edition

At the 10th edition of UPAINT Monaco, the future of street art is clearly in the hands of the younger generation. This was once again demonstrated by the Street Art Challenge Junior, one of the most anticipated events of the international urban art festival.

Organized by the City of Monaco and aimed at middle and high school students, the competition brought together three young artists who stood out in an intense creative challenge, ultimately receiving an exceptional outcome: a shared first prize awarded ex aequo.

A three-hour creative challenge at the heart of UPAINT

This year’s finalists were Étienne Mouraire (15), Jeanne-Marie Mariani (14), and Ethan Boodoo (15)—all students who had previously taken part in a masterclass led by artist Mr. One Teas, where they learned street art techniques and spray-paint skills.

The 2026 challenge required each participant to create an original artwork in just three hours, from 2 PM to 5 PM, within a highly stimulating environment, surrounded by international artists and immersed in the creative atmosphere of UPAINT.

It was a demanding test of technique, imagination, and time management.

Three outstanding works, one shared victory

The artworks presented by the three finalists impressed the jury with their quality, originality, and expressive maturity.

Faced with such evenly matched excellence, the jury made an exceptional decision: awarding the first prize ex aequo to all three participants, recognizing the equal artistic value of their creations.

The result highlights both the strength of their training and the remarkable creative growth they demonstrated.

UPAINT and the development of the next generation of street artists

More than just a competition, the Street Art Challenge Junior has become a true educational and creative laboratory, designed to introduce young people to urban art while encouraging exchange with international artists.

As emphasized by organizers, including Alberto Colman, founder of UPAINT, the project aims to provide students with direct experience in the world of street art, fostering creative freedom and experimentation.

The competition is now a key feature of the festival, combining education, creativity, and intergenerational exchange.

An educational project shaping the future of street art

For six years, the Street Art Challenge Junior has highlighted the dual identity of UPAINT: an international street art festival dedicated to environmental awareness in support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and a platform for emerging artistic talent.

The initiative confirms that urban art can also serve as an educational tool, inspiring and shaping the next generation of artists.

At UPAINT Monaco, the future of street art has already begun.