2025

Theme: WE ARE HERE

WE ARE HERE is more than a theme, it’s a declaration.

A celebration of belonging, identity, and the incredible diversity and creativity found across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

There are no rules in art. No right or wrong ways to experience it. What moves you, surprises you, delights you, that’s personal. It’s shaped by your own stories, your culture, your memories and even your mood in the moment.

That’s why we invited each and every one of you to show up as you are and discover what WE ARE HERE means to you. This year’s festival was a vibrant celebration of community and creative expression. From spellbinding walkabout performances and gravity-defying circus, to immersive installations, music, storytelling and dance, more than 100 artists transformed Bournemouth into an open-air cultural playground.

Arts by the Sea 2025 was an invitation to connect with art, with each other and with the place we call home. Because WE ARE HERE isn’t just about being present, It's about being seen, being heard and celebrating the creative spirit that brings us together.