Arts festivals are a type of festival that combines a diverse array of art forms into one cohesive space in which creators can display and sell their work and gain a new audience. These art forms can include but are not limited to: art, fashion, literature, performance theatre, photography, film and music. These festivals can combine a wide range of these formats or be solidified into just one kind, such as a music festival or a film festival meant to showcase each of these artistic disciplines. The genres of artistic expression portrayed in these events can vary as well and can either stick to one genre/theme or try and display a range of them to bring in a larger more diverse audience.
Hay Festival, Hay-On-Wye in Wales
These events are first and foremost created to celebrate art and the work displayed at them. It gives artists freedom of expression and a chance to showcase their work to an audience who may not usually see their work and allow them to grow in popularity. The artist can also have a chance to interact with individuals who admire them and host meet and greets to meet these fans. The artists at these events can also put their artwork up for purchase and sell art commissions to interested buyers who may be attending. Additionally at some arts festivals workshops and demonstrations can be ticketed events within the main event, allowing customers to develop skills from professional artists.
The range of events and artworks that can be seen at an arts festival varies from event to event. A lot of more modern festivals choosing to add more musical elements to their festivals to draw in larger crowds as notable musicians and bands can play at these events. These festivals also can host local or notable designers for clothing boutiques and brands to allow people to purchase sustainable clothing and remove the need for purchasing on the internet from your favourite artist and harming the environment with the transport of your package. A lot of young people are interested in helping the environment and buying from sustainable creators, brands and local businesses for a range of art forms. Many like to support a local artist, so arts festivals are a good chance to be able to do this by purchasing an art print or some merchandise from the creator.
References:
BridgesandBalloons. (2019). Five of the best arts festivals in the UK. [online] Available at: https://bridgesandballoons.com/best-uk-festivals/ [Accessed 30/10/2021]
Kilchermann. L. (2021). What Is An Art Festival? [online] Available at: https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-an-art-festival.htm [Accessed 28/10/2021]
Payton-Lombardo. H. (2013). Festivals in the Frame. [online] Available at: https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/268/article/festivals-frame#:~:text=Arts%20festivals%20also%20enhance%20local,perceptions%20of%20places%20and%20people. [Accessed 24/10/2021]
Rainbow BKK/Shutterstock. (2018). Festivals are bigger business than ever before. [online] Available at: https://theconversation.com/festivals-are-bigger-business-than-ever-before-but-that-doesnt-mean-theyve-lost-their-care-free-spirit-98777 [Accessed 20/10/2021]