News

Arts by the Sea, one of the UK’s most dynamic free arts festivals, is proud to announce Bob Brewer as the 2025 Associate Artist, selected to create a major public artwork for this year’s festival under the theme We Are Here. The Bournemouth-based artist, who only began working with sculpture six months ago, is set to deliver a striking installation – a towering hand formed from woven willow – rising from the earth like a gesture of welcome and unity.

The Associate Artist Programme exists to showcase under-represented artists and artforms, providing development and mentoring to expand their practice in a new environment – in this case, the public domain. It provides an unparalleled national springboard for bold ideas from emerging voices. Brewer’s commission embodies that spirit: a deeply personal shift in practice, brought to life through public co-creation.

“I come from a background of painting and animation – quiet, solitary practices,” Brewer explains. “Working in willow sculpture is a new direction that’s felt immediate and necessary. This opportunity to develop a piece with and for the community is transformative. It’s not just my hand – it’s everyone’s.”

Set to be constructed live onsite in the gardens during festival week, Brewer’s eight-foot willow sculpture will act as a beacon for festival-goers. Audiences will be invited to step inside the hand, symbolically held within its fingers. Community participants will help shape parts of the work through hands-on workshops, embedding local voices into the artwork itself.

Andrea Francis, Festival Director Arts by the Sea, said: “Bob is exactly why we created the Associate Artist role. Their work speaks to the spirit of the local area – resourceful, grounded and imaginative. To go from picking up willow six months ago to shaping one of the festival’s centrepieces is a story of sheer potential. We’re thrilled to provide this platform for emerging, place-based talent. It’s thanks to the support and funding from BCP Council that we can make events like this possible – showcasing the Council’s commitment to vibrant, inclusive culture for all.”

Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Customer and Communication at BCP Council, said: “Arts by the Sea continues to be a beacon of creativity and community spirit across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We are especially proud to champion emerging local talent through initiatives like the Associate Artist Programme, which this year shines a well-deserved spotlight on Bob Brewer. Bob’s journey into sculpture – and this evocative, participatory installation – beautifully embodies our festival’s theme ‘We Are Here’. It is about belonging, visibility and collective expression. His work reminds us that art is for everyone, and it is by working together that we build a stronger, more inclusive cultural landscape for all.”

With a background in environmental work and a growing interest in rural crafts and folklore, Brewer’s approach blends material tradition with contemporary storytelling. The piece will feature details dyed in yellow – symbolising illumination and innate creativity – and draw from Dorset’s weaving heritage. The title and full design will be revealed in the coming months.

Running from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th September 2025, Arts by the Sea brings together world-class installations, performance and community engagement to animate Bournemouth’s beautiful coastal setting.