Site Festival 2024 : Festival Programme 1st-23rd June 2024
Chris Neate, Why We Linger, 2018. Photo by Ellie Walmsley. 1st-22nd June at SVA John Street Gallery.
Site Festival is an annual programme of artist-led projects; events, exhibitions, talks and directory of Open Studios in the Stroud district; established in 1997.
A warm welcome to Open Studios 2024
Introduction written by Ruby Kester - Artist, Poet, Writer
SVA first entered my awareness in a big way at 15, after which I immediately did everything I could to be involved in the fantastic programme of events they offer, including joining their youth arts collective, Mould. Reflecting now on the past 10+ years I find myself here once again, this time with a studio and taking part for the first time in the SITE Festival.
The calibre and density of Stroud’s art scene is unparalleled, and is at its most vibrant during the SITE Festival. Not limited to the heart of the town, all through the five valleys artists open up their spaces to the public and it becomes once again apparent that, from the farthest flung garden studio to the nearest spare room, we are surrounded by talent.
This is an opportunity to explore all of Stroud and its surroundings, to meet new people, to share ideas, to buy affordable art from the source…
What more could you want? Enjoy it!
Site Festival Programme
Each year the festival programme seeks to challenge boundaries, bring high calibre exhibitions and installations to Stroud, and raise awareness of the incredible diversity in the arts.
Sky Burial : Mat Collishaw
For 2024 Mat Collishaw presents ‘Sky Burial’; an immersive video installation and meditation on life, death and humanity set to Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem. You can experience Sky Burial 14-16th June at the Goods Shed, with a special screening and talk by Mat Collishaw on Friday 14th June 6-8pm.
Cara Macwilliam, Cosmic Aether, 2023, Watercolour pencil on paper, 42x30cm, 16.5x11.8 inches
Why We Linger : Jennifer Lauren Gallery
Also new for 2024 is ‘Why We Linger’ from the Jennifer Lauren Gallery, to be shown at SVA’s John Street Gallery. Passionately championing self-taught, disabled, neurodivergent and overlooked artists from around the world, the Jennifer Lauren Gallery is showcasing all the artists the Gallery represents in one display. Following its launch in London, Why We Linger features a diverse mixture of drawings, paintings, embroidery and ceramics.
Opening Night : Friday 31st May 6-8pm
Thursdays-Saturdays 10am-3pm
Open Studios weekends 11am-6pm
Talk : 13th June 7pm in the gallery
Supported by Darbyshire Ltd.
Abi Spendlove
THISS 2024
THISS 2024 at The Hide Artist Retreat in Amberley continues this year for Site Festival, celebrating new work from a huge range of artists. ”We invite the viewer not to delve into each individual practice or work but to hover with it, in the fleeting state. Be open to engaging through the work’s awkwardness, absurdity, economy and tenderness. Less is more.”
Open Studios weekends 11am-6pm : 8th-9th June and 15th-16th June
