Guildford Festival of the Arts

The Guildford Festival of the Arts is delighted to announce the success of its inaugural outing, which brought together artists, venues, and audiences from across the community over four days from September 25–28. More than 2,400 visits were recorded across twenty venues with participants enjoying 50 talks, workshops and demonstrations, as well as the festival’s three open-call exhibitions, featuring the work of 100 artists.

Highlights included the festival’s Art Trail with some 300 people taking part, collecting stamps on their festival maps at eleven trail locations in the town centre and discovering a wide range of creative work along the way. Waiting for them at the end was a free drink at either the Star Inn or Britannia pub, courtesy of Shepherd Neame brewers. Another was the transformation of the exterior of the Old Orleans building – a collaboration by 10 street artists led by artist Roo and Guildford Borough Council.

Artist Alexandra Bateman received the Knight Frank Art Prize for her work Cyclist 13, awarded by the festival’s Open Call judges Peter Gordon, Nathalie Beauvillain-Scott, Alex Tommis and Sue Dragon, while Mabel Welvaert was given the George Weil Student Prize for her painting Squint. Artist Ellen Doggett won the public vote for her piece 100 Days of Lockdown and will receive an opportunity to exhibit her work at New House Art Space.

‘I loved being a part of the inaugural Guildford Festival of the Arts. Both as someone holding a pottery class for others to attend and taking part myself by making a pot for the Watt’s Gallery celebration of Mary Watt’s 175th birthday. It was also great to see venues I hadn’t visited before, despite not completing my trail for a free beer!’ – Ysanne Brooks, host of Handbuilding Pottery Workshop at Solar Sisters.

‘I am so grateful for the support shown throughout the festival, from the artists and venues to our sponsors, partners and everyone who joined the trail, workshops and exhibitions. When we first set out, we wanted to shine a light on the creative spaces in Guildford that support the arts all year round. We hoped people would discover somewhere new, try a new craft or activity, and perhaps even find a passion that inspires them to sign up for more workshops in the future. I think it’s safe to say we’ve succeeded.’ – Charlie Cluff, Co-founder and Director of GFOTA

Plans are already in the works for next year with Charlie Cluff and Co-Founder Lauren Gerrard looking to build upon the momentum of this year’s event, further fostering relationships with the festival’s venues, artistic partners and sponsors to showcase the vast richness of Guildford’s creative community.