News

A TASTE of the arts: The South Coast’s most celebrated festival, Arts by the Sea, to return this autumn – with Artist In Residence announced

The Bournemouth-based festival will see local and international artists come together for three days of unique cultural performance between Friday 27th – Sunday 29th September

Arts by the Sea, the South West’s biggest free celebration of arts, culture, people and place, is returning for its 14th edition and this year’s theme will be TASTE. The 2024 festival – which will run from Friday 27th – Sunday 29th September – invites visitors to sample a host of unique artworks and performances to find their own artistic taste, whilst also challenging and enhancing preferences with its diverse offering.

Bringing together large-scale spectaculars, diverse music, intriguing installations, dance, street theatre, participatory experiences and much more, every year welcomes 100+ artists to the line up. Putting inclusivity, diversity and sustainability at the heart of everything it does, the festival also introduces cultural experiences into neighbourhoods, working with schools and communities across the area to introduce wider audiences to the celebrations.

This year’s Artist in Residence has today been announced as Rebecca Strickson, a Margate-based illustrator and designer, whose bold work uses eye-catching colour and pattern combinations to create memorable pieces. Rebecca’s work often features elements of LGBTQ+ advocacy, and her work for the festival is no exception. Set to explore the notion of TASTE, and what external influences inform audiences’ taste in art, visitors can expect to have their tastes both challenged and actually judged, as part of Strickson’s project.

Rebecca Strickson, Artist in Residence for Arts by the Sea, said: “I love the theme of TASTE for this year’s festival as it’s so individual and can be influenced by so many factors. What is considered tasteful today may not have been ten years ago, and vice versa, and I want to play with that in my work. People and community are at the heart of this festival, and of my work, so I want to bring in individual views of what TASTE means, and give visitors ample opportunity to interact with the art.”

Also announced today is 2024’s Associate Artist, Jasmin Edwards, a Bournemouth-based circus performer and multi-hoop specialist, whose work seeks to create a positive impact not just on individuals but on entire communities as well. Her unique work for Arts by the Sea will include a satirical commentary on women’s roles in both life and art. Using her signature hooping skills, Jasmin’s piece will be both visually spectacular, while relaying a poignant message on the double standards imposed on women in performance.

Jasmin Edwards, Associate Artist for Arts by the Sea, said: “The inspiration behind my work for Arts by the Sea is the patriarchal infliction of age limit, motherhood and expectation on women in the arts. While this sounds like, and is, a serious subject, the work itself is very lighthearted, using clowning to depict a traditional housewife, and of course including lots of circus! The main thing I always want audiences to take away from my performances is a sense of fun, while approaching difficult topics along the way. It’s a real pleasure to be creating something like this specifically for Arts by the Sea, which is an incredible platform for artists to explore and showcase their craft in such a beautiful setting.”

Arts by the Sea is a free festival that brings together large-scale spectaculars, diverse music, intriguing installations, dance, street theatre, participatory experiences and much more, in one unique and celebratory festival. It is founded by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) Council. The festival is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, which means funding thanks to taxpayers and National Lottery players play a large part in making the event possible. More information can be found on the festival website: artsbythesea.co.uk