ANTICIPATION is building for the region’s springtime celebrations of the arts and creativity.
Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival returns from May 15 to June 1 with 17 performing arts events take place in 23 different venues, while the Spring Fling open studios weekend will see more than 80 artists and craft makers throw open their doors.
Both events are supported by Dumfries and Galloway Council as Signature Events for the region, receiving a total of £52,000 this year. A special preview event was held on Monday at the Loreburn Hall with live performances and artisans showcasing their skills.
Councillor Maureen Johnstone said: “The second May bank holiday weekend is a particularly vibrant time to visit Dumfries and Galloway.
“There is so much to see and do and the region always looks beautiful and verdant at this time of year.
“Spring Fling and the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival make enormous contributions to our quality of life, tourism and the economy and I’m thrilled that there will be artists’ studios open across the region and many great Arts Festival events to consider going to.”
Natasha Kinsella, events and exhibitions development manager for Upland CIC which runs Spring Fling, added: “Dumfries and Galloway is home to an extraordinary creative community. Spring Fling provides a rare opportunity to explore the studios of talented visual artists, jewellery designers, woodworkers, metalworkers, and more, all in some of Scotland’s most breathtaking locations.
“We can’t wait to welcome both locals and visitors from across the country to experience the exceptional contemporary arts and crafts we have to offer.”
LINE UP . . . above: performers and artists at this week’s launch. Photo by Colin Hattersley
