THE 14th edition of the south west’s biggest free celebration of arts, culture, people and place is set to return.

Arts By The Sea will take place between Friday, September 27 and Sunday, September 29, with the theme of ‘taste’.

This year’s festival will invite visitors to sample a host of unique artworks and performances to find their own artistic taste whilst also challenging and enhancing preferences with a ‘diverse’ offering.

More than 100 artists will be welcomed to Bournemouth as the festival will see large-scale spectaculars, diverse music, installations, dance, street theatre, participatory experiences and much more.

It puts inclusivity, diversity and sustainability at the heart of the festival.

Cultural experiences will be introduced into neighbourhoods, working with schools and communities across the area to introduce wider audiences to the festival.

This year’s artist in residence has been announced as Rebecca Strickson, a Margate-based illustrator and designer.

Bournemouth Echo:

Rebecca’s bold work uses eye-catching colour and pattern combinations to create memorable pieces.

Her work often features elements of LGBTQ+ advocacy, with her festival project set to challenge and actually judge visitors’ tastes.

Rebecca said: “I love the theme of TASTE for this year’s festival as it’s so individual and can be influenced by so many factors.

“What is considered tasteful today may not have been ten years ago, and vice versa, and I want to play with that in my work.

“People and community are at the heart of this festival, and of my work, so I want to bring in individual views of what TASTE means, and give visitors ample opportunity to interact with the art.”

Jasmin Edwards has also been announced as 2024’s associate artist.

Bournemouth Echo:

The Bournemouth-based circus performer and multi-hoop specialist will perform a visually spectacular piece that will relay a poignant message on the double standards imposed on women in performance.

Jasmin Edwards, associate artist for Arts by the Sea, said: “The inspiration behind my work for Arts by the Sea is the patriarchal infliction of age limit, motherhood and expectation on women in the arts.

“While this sounds like, and is, a serious subject, the work itself is very lighthearted, using clowning to depict a traditional housewife, and of course including lots of circus.

“The main thing I always want audiences to take away from my performances is a sense of fun, while approaching difficult topics along the way.

“It’s a real pleasure to be creating something like this specifically for Arts by the Sea, which is an incredible platform for artists to explore and showcase their craft in such a beautiful setting.”

For more information, visit the Arts By The Sea website.