The idea
We are planning to build on our last three years of events in bringing an annual celebration of arts and creativity to Lancaster. Our event will incorporate: exhibitions, makers markets, professional development talks, free creative workshops and arts organisation showcases. In 2025 we expanded greatly and provided a well received city wide event, this year we want to develop our relationships with our partner organisations in bringing the year round opportunities they provide to the local community and working on getting more people involved in the creative experiences they have to offer. We believe by drawing people in with our exhibitions and free creative workshops we can encourage and promote more rounded involvement in the arts in members of the local community who may not previously have engaged much in this type of activity.
What we'll deliver
- Storey Gallery Exhibition over 5 Days (22nd-28rd August)
- 11 Free Creative Workshops
- Free activities and community art wall
- Professional Development talks for Artists
- Local arts organisation showcases
- Saturday Makers Market in Music Room at The Storey
Why it's a great idea
Our aim and hopes are that by having programmes that bring together all aspects of the local community we can create an inclusive event that reduces barriers and creates community cohesion through art. We work towards fostering connections and improving mental wellbeing by providing high quality free cultural experiences that are available to all ages and abilities. We provide paid work opportunities for local artists and promote arts in the area by bringing together local arts organisations and practitioners to create a celebratory arts festival capable of bringing a diverse audience together. We are strong believers in the artistic talent the area has to offer and are consistently working towards promoting Lancaster as an arts hub in the North West and showcasing the artistic opportunities the area has on offer
Steps to get it done
- Commission artists as part of workshop and activities programme
- Release open call for artists to exhibit
- Liase with partners and sponsors regarding arts organisations showcases and professional development talks
- Curate the exhibition and makers markets
- Launch the fair’s workshops and talks programme
- Deliver the marketing campaign
- Lancaster Art Fair week - free community event takes place!
