Somerset Art Weeks 2022

Image: Julie Meikle

SOMERSET ART WEEKS FESTIVAL 2022 – SANCTUARY

24 Sept- 9 Oct

Somerset Art Works calls on artists to register for Somerset Art Weeks Festival, which returns for 2022 with the theme 'Sanctuary'. With venues hosting group exhibitions, curated shows and events from SAW Members and invited artists, it's also a showcase for SAW-supported projects, special commissions and new work from bursary artists. With many finding Sanctuary in Somerset during the pandemic, SAW wants to celebrate the journey to recovery of our visual senses. Festival is a biennial opportunity to discover high quality arts shows and exhibitions in unique and inspiring locations across Somerset.

As part of it's Artist Development and Education Programmes, there are many opportunities for Somerset artists and invited practitioners to take part in this year's event and develop their creative practice, as well as providing engagement for communities and audiences as artists respond to the connections between art, nature and wellbeing and we take time to reflect, rebuild and repair.

Festival is a time for Somerset Arts Organisations to join in this visual Arcadia, along with a host of unique, unusual or even unused venues in the many special places at the heart of Somerset's communities. With Somerset Art Works recently declaring the Climate Emergency, this year's event has an increasing focus on sustainability and artists whose practice acknowledges our relationship with the natural world.

Festival is a space for SAW Members to collaborate, connect and create something different to surprise and delight audiences. Expect to see established Somerset galleries and art spaces taking part, along with specially- curated shows in some of the counties' important historical buildings and community places.

Venue registrations are open now, the deadline for applications is 31 March. Look out for call outs, opportunities and information on the SAW website and on SAW's social media channels. As it's Festival year, SAW Members are invited to collaborate and create their own group shows and exhibitions, respond to the theme and to link up with other artists who might be looking for exhibition opportunities.

For new artists or organisations wishing to take part- please take a look at the Membership area of the Somerset Art Works website here

For artists considering applying for SAW bursaries and commissions- contact zoe.li@somersetartworks.org.uk for advice before submitting a venue registration.

If you would like to take part, or require more information, please take a look at the Somerset Art Works website here or contact Festival Coordinator Paul Newman artweeks@somersetartworks.org.uk