Appledore Arts was established by the artist Sandy Brown, since 1997 we have run the annual Appledore Visual Arts Festival which is now recognised as one of the South West’s major arts events.

In addition to the Festival we develop a wide range of artist-led projects including; a film based oral history project on Appledore’s maritime history; a project exploring North Devon’s significant ceramic heritage and how this legacy influences contemporary practice; Facing North a major new site specific contemporary dance project at Clovelly Court and the first artists residency at Bucks Mills Cabin now owned by the National Trust.

“The Appledore Visual Arts Festival demonstrates that high quality art in the more rural parts of our region can be just as exciting – and important – as those in metropolitan centres “.
Nick Capaldi, Ex: Regional Executive Director, Arts Council England, South West

Each year we provide a rich programme of exhibitions, events, residencies, educational projects and workshops involving everyone from internationally recognised artists to locally based craftspeople, children, community groups and the mildly interested passer-by.