More than just an idea: Art in action

Our Arts Service, based at Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, first started thinking about the Arts and Ideas Festival 18 months ago, with a plan for ten events taking place over a weekend. 

We pencilled in the festival to take place this year and decided on the theme, 'Together and Change', hoping that organisations, producers and artists would celebrate our local area and explore how we might change for the better.

The Arts and Ideas festival launches on Friday 16 June 2023. We are proud to host 78 events and activities over 17-day festival in all parts of the borough; a truly amazing result showing the enthusiasm, ambition and appetite amongst our local creative and cultural sector for this initiative.

Our thanks to the Arts Council for supporting and investing in our festival as this has enabled artists such as Marie Klimis and Jamaal Burkmar to take work to all parts of the Borough.

The venues: The Landmark, Teddington; The OSO, Barnes and the Exchange, Twickenham, will be hosting and programming events. Others include St. Mary's University, Richmond and Hillcroft Community and Richmond upon Thames Colleges along with national institutions Kew Gardens and the National Archives.

Here are some of the activities I’m looking forward to throughout the Arts and Ideas Festival:

• The festival begins with the unveiling of Luke Jerram’s spectacular art installation, Gaia, at The Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington. It’s free but you must book your entrance in advance
• Our Library Service is hosting artist Marie Klimis' presentation I am Bird. This immersive experience around artworks placed around the library follows the story of a young bird migrating from West Africa to the U.K. The exhibition will visit Whitton, Ham, Teddington and Richmond libraries
• Towards the end of the festival is the Taste of Twickenham event, on Saturday 1 July 2023. The town centre will be closed to traffic to host the unique day-long festival, showcasing the fantastic things the town has to offer. Guests can expect delicious food stalls, entertaining performances and a strong sense of togetherness.

These are my highlights; to discover yours, visit the Arts and Ideas Festival, where you will find out more information and book tickets.

Share this