A three day art festival kicks off in Margate from tomorrow (January 24} with a series of exhibitions and events.
Towards the end of last year, a small team of Margate based creatives, who were disheartened by arts funding cuts across the country, discussed how losing the arts is not an option and brainstormed ways the art community might try to continue with a more DIY approach.
They came to the idea of a DIY Arts Festival and Off Season was created.
More than 60 exhibitions and events are listed for the weekend with some 150 artists showing work. Exhibitions will be taking place in every corner of Margate, in people’s homes, studios, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, a doughnut kiosk and even a car.
Between January 24-26, listings include an exhibition of queer portraiture created by this year’s Portrait Artist of the Year winner Brogan Bertie and Stef Felton at the Shakespeare pub.
The Coal Store will be showing garden sculptures and a continuous burning candle by Jack Lavender.
Lindsey Mendick and Guy Oliver have organised January Blues, a one-off event at The Mulberry Tree pub.
Visit Porn. Protest. Politics.is a visual arts exhibition taking over Pink Suits’ home.
Get picked up in a car to be driven around town experiencing a unique immersive artwork created by Dominic Watson.
Walk past the Victoria Hotel to see a flag made by the world renowned artist, Ryan Gander and walk down Cecil Street to view works by Dame Tracey Emin in the windows.
The weekend coincides with the last days of Anya Gallacio’s survey exhibition at Turner Contemporary with a night of live music organised by Margate Radio.
More Margate galleries will be opening their doors, including Carl Freedman Gallery with Laura Footes, Quench Gallery with Delaine Le Bas and Catherine Chinatree, TKE Studios with Elissa Cray and Joline Kwakkenbos, Roland Ross with Morag Keil and Olga Pendan and 243 Luz with Shola Von Reinhold and The Eclectic Art Gallery in the Old Town- to name a few!
See the map and listings on the Off Season website and on the Off Season Instagram
Splendid. I shall certainly attend
I think a local arts festival is a great idea.
Did you ever attend the art events at Sugar Rush in Ramsgate? I know you’re a big supporter of the arts.
Some people have pulled out but web-site not updated. Arlington House management does not allow lessees to use their homes to promote their businesses. So best not to rely on that venue or check before you go.
Where is the art then?
Unfortunately, I have to stay in to wash my hair.
For three days.
Have you checked if they are getting an arts council grant Peter? Unfortunately I will be sorting out my sock drawer over that 3 days so wont be able to make it!
i shall be painting my front gate , then watching it dry . hold on though that would probably pass as art around here.
Yes, you could get an arts council grant for that.