The application process for performing arts, visual arts, film and workshops into ArtsFest 2009 closed on 30/04/09 and no further applications will be accepted for this year’s festival. Thank you to all those who submitted an application before the deadline, you will be contacted during June with the outcome of your application.

The theme for ArtsFest 2009 is Anniversaries and Celebrations and the festival will recognise major anniversaries taking place this year such as:

• The bicentenary of the death of Matthew Boulton.
• The bicentenary of the birth of William Penny Brookes.
• The bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin.
• The 50th anniversary of the Mini
• The 50th anniversary of Motown.
• The 50th anniversary of Barbie.

If you are aware of other anniversaries and celebrations taking place, which we have not included in the list above, please do let us know by emailing artsfest@birmingham.gov.uk.

The dates for ArtsFest 2009 have been set as 11th – 13th September 2009. Add the dates to your diary now!

Everybody that wishes to be part of ArtsFest 2009 must complete one of the ArtsFest application forms, whether that is to perform, facilitate a workshop, host a market stall, exhibit work or screen a film. (If you wish to apply to volunteer please see below.)

The application process for ArtsFest 2009 will open in early March and run until mid April. Please keep your eye out here over the next few weeks for the exact dates for application.

To apply from early March you will need to return to the website to complete our online application form. Guidelines will be posted to make this process easy for you to follow.

ArtsFest is open to artists and performers of all abilities and any art form. We look forward to receiving your application next year!

 

ArtsFest has many exciting and varied roles for volunteers, both leading up to and during the event.

To volunteer at ArtsFest click here for more information. All volunteers must live, work or study in the West Midlands and be over 18.

Congratulations to Carol Hurley from Womborne.

Carol, the lucky winner of the ArtsFest Discovery Trail was pleased to be presented with her £200 cash prize last week.

The Discovery trail encourages ArtsFest visitors to visit 14 ArtsFest venues and answer questions about these venues to be entered into a prize draw. Trail runners up won tickets to see Jason Donovan at the Town Hall, to the Rep Theatre, to see CBSO and book tokens amongst other prizes.

Carol collecting her prize from Joan Durose (Head of Events) and Emily Bartlett (Festival Officer).

 

Arts Best
Around 240,000 people flocked to Birmingham City Centre this weekend as it hosted its most successful ArtsFest event to date. Read more...

A Classic Day
Day two of Birmingham’s three day ArtsFest came to a classic close with CBSO and Birmingham Royal Ballet playing to a capacity crowd in a magnificent concert of music, opera, ballet and fireworks in a grand finale. The total for the day reaching 125,000. Read more...

It’s Raining Art
Birmingham’s ArtsFest got off to a spectacular Glastonbury style start with the weather undetered revellers, no mud, but they still danced and enjoyed the evening’s free entertainment as organisers handed out plastic macs to crowds. Read more...