Arts by the Sea achieves record success

Curated by From the Fields, the Bournemouth arts event is one of the only festivals to take place this year, achieving international acclaim with press across the globe.

Arts by the Sea has completed its tenth year this weekend, with the South Coast’s most popular arts and culture festival returning to Bournemouth

ABTS 2020, which ran until 4th October at venues across Bournemouth, featured an array of live artworks and Covid-safe events, accompanied by a digital programme of live screenings, podcasts, workshops, a series of industry webinars & a trainee producer scheme supporting skills for young adults in the area.

Spotlight pieces included In Memoriam, an immersive configuration of flags by Luke Jerram, paying tribute to the NHS and volunteers who have cared for the thousands affected by Coronavirus; Utopia by Cold War Steve, a humorous and hopeful collage-piece displayed on 25-metre windbreak on Boscombe Beach; and extraordinary immersive installations including The Fire Garden by Walk the Plank, and the sound and light piece Sea of Light by Ithaca Studios.

The fortnight-long event was curated by From the Fields, the creative minds behind the multi-award winning Kendal Calling and bluedot festivals. Roxy Robinson, From the Fields’ Creative Director, has led on the artistic programming of ABTS for 5 years, in partnership with funders BCP Council & Arts Council England. 

“In an extraordinarily challenging year for the events industry, I’m thrilled we’ve been able to go ahead with ABTS. Curating this year’s festival has been anything but business as usual. Our artists, producers and volunteers have all succeeded in delivering a Covid-secure, yet fully engaging programme, despite the ever-changing nature of government restrictions and safety guidelines.”

“It’s critical that we begin rebuilding confidence in live events and the cultural sector, and I’m delighted that FTF has been able to contribute to this with ABTS 2020”, said Roxy Robinson.