About Open Art
Under the umbrella of Open Art Folke, creatives come together all year round for labs, events, and conversations.
Every so often, we invite the whole town to join us for a mighty festival, where you can meet the makers in their studios, their homes or perhaps in more unlikely corners of Folkestone.
The people behind Open Art Folke
OAF is a nonprofit, volunteer-run collective led by artists for artists. We don't guarantee running a festival each year, but when we do run, our incredible team is what makes it possible.
Thurle Wright Co-Chair Artist 
Becca Pelly-Fry Co-Chair Curator & Cultural Consultant 
Jackie Brown Finance & Fundraising Artist 
Steven Aron Williams Marketing & Comms Artist 
Simon Rickard Programmes & Operations Artist Technician 
Francesco Imola Marketing & Comms Designer & Artist 
Sangmin Cha Programmes & Operations Curator & Researcher 
Katherine Brown Programmes & Operations Artist 
Rob Birch Marketing & Comms Artist 
Beth Hart Marketing & Comms Artist 
Jackie Kennedy Finance & Fundraising Artist 
Janet Robinson Programmes & Operations Artist 
Stephen Foy-Philp Programmes & Operations Artist 
David Alderman Finance & Fundraising Artist 
Amber Baker Programmes & Operations Artist
FAQs
Who are we here for?
Art and culture have emerged from, and found their way to Folkestone in various forms over the years. Open Art Folke is here to celebrate both, by supporting the active creative community that makes this coastal town so shit hot special.
Why not just open studios?
Since 2024, we've encouraged creatives to think of Open Art Folke's festival as an opportunity to welcome the public into their studios, of course, but equally have a go at exhibiting work or hosting events in unlikely spaces—for by doing so we bring art and creativity to the everyday lives of everyday people.
Are you a charity?
Not at the moment. We qualify as a non-profit, unincorporated association. That is, we are a group of individuals who have voluntarily come together for a common purpose, and like many volunteer-led groups, we are reliant on the generous support of our sponsors and venues.
Our (very solemn but very important) guiding principles
- We are open to all
- We are a community
- We are collaborative
- We are reliant on artist participation
- We are honest and straightforward
- We are not sales or professional agents
- We are not curated or themed
- We are not always a festival