Appledore Arts

The theme for the 13th Appledore Visual Arts Festival is ‘Coastlines’. Our relationship with the sea has profoundly influenced our history, our identity and our character. There is no finer example of this relationship than North Devon’s beautiful and rugged coastline. Through an innovative programme of contemporary visual arts events the Festival will celebrate our world class coastline.

In 1998 the Festival was the first annual Visual Arts Festival of its kind in the UK. Today it has a reputation as one of the broadest ranging events of its type and is recognised as a high quality arts event with an established regional profile and a growing national presence. As a visitor, you are offered a unique opportunity to interact with artists as they take part in a wide range of exhibitions, residencies, demonstrations, workshops, talks and hand on creative events.

Festival Exhibitions

This year we have three exciting and very diverse exhibitions for you to enjoy:

Alison Murray’s – Above & Below The Waves an underwater knitted extravaganza
Ken Sprague Fund - Winners of their 2010 International Cartoon Competition
University College of Falmouth – Exhibition of work from some of their best Alumni

Both adults and children will be able to take part in many very varied Advance-Booking workshops as well as lots of free Drop-In workshops, where whole families can join in and create their own amazing art work !. There will also be a series of Artists Talks, Residencies and Exhibitions from well established artists. If you are thinking of doing a Art & Design course – and you’re never to old ! – there will be degree students to talk to about their work and courses.

Alongside all this we will be screening a programme of Film Shorts. Categories include films from young people, films about the theme of ‘Coastlines’ as well as a wide ranging open category.

The Festival also offers visitors the opportunity to explore this unique and historic village. There will be the ever popular Open Gardens Trail and an Artists Trail where selected artists display their work in the homes of Appledore residents. The Festival Finale to celebrate the end of the Festival will be on Sunday afternoon.

Appledore is a beautiful estuary town with a maze of narrow streets and a fascinating maritime history. It offers expansive views across the wide estuary of the Rivers Taw & Torridge and out towards the Atlantic Ocean. The village has eight Galleries, six pubs all of whom serve food, four restaurants and cafes, fantastic sunsets and the second highest tidal drop in the world !. It is the perfect place to visit and explore as you enjoy the diverse range of events during the Festival.

All over Appledore there will be things happening so come along, get creative and enjoy the fun of the Festival; Contemporary Crafts for sale, live Folk Music, Hockings Ice Cream, historical walking tours, the Appledore Silver Band and lots, lots more. See you there!.

For more information on our 2010 Festival