Gabrielle Parker

We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Bournemouth-based illustrator Gabrielle Parker as our 2025 Artist in Residence! A graduate of Arts University Bournemouth, Gabrielle’s bold and boundary-blurring digital practice invites us into a surreal world where fashion, fantasy and self-expression collide. Her work draws inspiration from the vibrant world of drag and the theatrical flair of icons like Leigh Bowery, resulting in charming 3D characters that are strange, playful and utterly captivating. This year, Gabrielle will be teaming up with 2024’s Artist in Residence, Rebecca Strickson, to shape our visual identity and create a brand new, unmissable installation. Together, they’ll be turning our 2025 theme We Are Here into a joyful, technicolour celebration of individuality and belonging. Expect big ideas, bold visuals and a burst of Bournemouth-grown creativity across the whole festival weekend…