How do we make Open Art Folke possible

We're a friendly bunch of creative types, from arts and non-arts backgrounds, who've joined forces to give our peers a reason to make and show their work—which they'd otherwise hide behind the couch indefinitely.

Open Art Folke is the perfect reason for folks to tidy their studios, open their doors, and collaborate. And for anyone visiting, it’s a reason to join in and experience some of the best ideas that Folkestone has to offer.

Real life installation representing a flock of birds flying across an opticians' store (Specsavers)

What goes on behind the scenes

We check in with the community between festivals, ask questions and run labs on topics such as finding a venue, collaborating and marketing your work. There's also a lot that we do behind the scenes to prepare for the upcoming festival season, such as coming up with improbable marketing ideas, divvying up tasks, and fundraising, fundraising, fundraising.

Where we invest

Creatives pay a small fee to take part in the festival, the rest of our money comes from sponsors and local arts funding. We run a bit like a charity—even though we’re officially a “non-profit, unincorporated association”, bit of a mouthful—and everything we receive goes back into the festival, the marketing, and the community events we run in between.

Who makes for a good sponsor
a sculpture/installation is displayed in an urban setting
A beautiful see-through coat with intricate paper inserts weaved into it is worn by a person standing by the seashore

Get involved

We don’t guarantee running a festival each year, but when we do run, our incredible team is what makes it possible. We’re a dozen volunteers at the moment, but there’s always room for more. Know your onions? Alright with spreadsheets, words, design software, ladders, herding cats, or talking to people? Send us a message and don’t make it wait.

Message us about volunteering

The folks behind Open Art Folke

  • 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

  • Beth Hart Marketing & Comms Artist

  • Katherine Brown Programmes & Operations Artist

  • Jackie Kennedy Finance & Fundraising Artist

  • Katrin Mountain Programmes & Operations Artist

  • Rob Birch Marketing & Comms Artist

  • Janet Robinson Programmes & Operations Artist

  • Stephen Foy-Philp Programmes & Operations Artist

  • David Alderman Finance & Fundraising Artist

  • Amber Baker Programmes & Operations Artist

A large group of people, smiling and posing for a photo. Many are seated at long picnic tables, enjoying a drink.

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