About the Festival
Celebrating arts and culture in Bournemouth for over a decade
Our Mission
Arts Bournemouth Festival exists to celebrate creativity, inspire communities, and make high-quality arts accessible to everyone. We believe in the power of the arts to transform lives, challenge perspectives, and bring people together in shared experiences of wonder and joy.
Our History
The Bournemouth Arts Festival began as a vision to showcase the vibrant creative talent in our region while bringing world-class performances to local audiences. Over the years, we've grown from a small collection of events into a major cultural institution, programming hundreds of events annually across multiple venues.
Our festival has featured everything from intimate poetry readings to spectacular outdoor performances, from cutting-edge contemporary art to beloved classical works. We've welcomed both emerging local artists and internationally renowned performers, creating a unique blend of the familiar and the new.
What We Do
Programme Diverse Events: From theatre and dance to music and visual arts, we curate a rich programme that reflects the breadth of contemporary cultural practice.
Support Artists: We provide platforms for emerging artists to develop their practice and showcase their work alongside established names.
Engage Communities: Through workshops, participatory projects, and community partnerships, we make arts accessible to all.
Transform Spaces: We bring art to unexpected places, from beaches and parks to historic buildings and modern galleries.
Looking Forward
As we look to the future, we remain committed to innovation, accessibility, and excellence. We're excited to continue pushing boundaries, supporting artists, and creating unforgettable experiences for audiences across Bournemouth and beyond.