A Celebration of Creativity
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The inaugural Cambridge Arts Festival takes the city by storm
An exciting blend of colour, culture and creativity, the city will host its first Arts Festival on 12-18 February, with a launch at Soho Fine Art from 6-8pm on the 12th.
This week-long extravaganza, orchestrated by Cambridge BID, promises a rich and diverse tapestry of opportunities for residents, visitors and workers alike.
Perhaps you’d be interested in embarking on a bespoke art tour, unlocking the city’s artistic treasures within colleges and vibrant neighbourhoods? Or maybe you’re ready to immerse yourself in the hands-on experience of free workshops by local artists in a range of dynamic venues.
As the city comes alive with street performances, interactive exhibitions and more, the Cambridge Arts Festival extends an open invitation to everyone – with as much or as little art experience – to partake in this unique celebration. Be prepared to engage in something truly special.
Joining Cambridge BID in this bold new undertaking is this year’s principal sponsor, Mills & Reeve. “We are very excited to join Cambridge BID as the exclusive corporate partner of the inaugural Cambridge Arts Festival,” says head of the Cambridge office Nick Finlayson-Brown. “It’s a pleasure to support such a broad and varied exposition of the arts in the Cambridge community, and the amazing array of talent which makes the city such a draw for artistic endeavour.”
What is Love Cambridge?
Love Cambridge is the brand developed by Cambridge Business Improvement District (BID) to deliver a range of events and projects that animate and entertain our city. Offerings include the Love Cambridge Gift Card, open-air cinema nights, Wimbledon screenings, magazines, maps and more.
Visit love-cambridge.com or@lovecambridge_ on socials.
Making a Splash
Ahead of the Cambridge Arts Festival, proudly presented by Cambridge BID, we spotlight some standout local businesses taking part
Hestia
Hestia is a new, queer-led collective organising inclusive and emancipatory cultural events spaces and dialogue in Cambridge. “We are pleased to be part of the festival because we want to ensure working-class people and residents, whether transient or long term, have a voice on a cultural and economic level in the shaping of this city,” says Hestia. The creative collective will be working with local artists and producers to give two zine workshops exploring the history of DIY, samizdat and self-publishing. “Bring your own work and make a zine with us, or contribute to a collective publication we will produce together on the day. We hope to see you there!” Tickets are free but must be booked in advance by 17 February.
The Women’s Art Collection, Murray Edwards College
On 17 February at 11am to 12 noon, embark on an exclusive tour of The Women’s Art Collection at Murray Edwards College. This behind-the-scenes tour, led by expert tour guide Martin Roland, offers exclusive insight into the largest collection of art by women on display across the whole of Europe. The Grade II listed building of the college is also a sight in itself. Participants will have a unique chance to hear all about Murray Edwards, its distinctive architecture and take a stroll through its award-winning gardens. Tickets are selling fast, so you’ll need to act quick to catch this one!
Gallerie V
Gallerie V will be hosting a series of workshops throughout the festival as part of its mission to support, inspire and educate the local youth community. An eclectic and inspiring programme awaits, with an interactive public art station open to the public from 14 to 16 February between 12 noon and 5pm. Visitors to the gallery can explore Rachel Barlow’s curated pop-up exhibition focusing on 20th-century Soviet Union Siberia, and attend a clothing personalisation workshop led by Anastasia Mykolayska Shutka. Anastasia will also be holding an artist talk tackling the theme of ‘losing identity in society’ on 14 February, followed by a mindfulness abstraction workshop led by Chloe Deltufo on the afternoon 16 February.
A Bespoke Cambridge Walking Art tour
Designed exclusively for Cambridge Arts Festival, these guided tours will lead you through the city’s public art scene, bypassing architecture, sculptures and carvings. In the expert hands of a member of the Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides, guests can expect everything from the traditional to more quirky local sights. The walking tours are suitable for all ages and are wheelchair friendly, running at a leisurely pace. Duration is 75 minutes, starting from outside the Guildhall. They run from 11am between 12 and 18 February and tickets are £12 per person.
Book your tickets now for these eclectic events at love-cambridge.com/arts-festival
