ABOUT US

Taking place in Guildford Town Centre, the event's main aim is to rejuvenate the local art scene by showcasing independent shops, arts venues and other creative spaces and bring them together in a collaborative and community-focused way for the duration of the festival. The festival provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to interact with artists, explore various artistic disciplines, and participate in collaborative projects.

The event aspires to establish Guildford as a hub for the arts, attracting visitors and strengthening local creative industries. We can already see that the festival has encouraged engagement with the arts and the venues beyond the festival, showcasing the amazing work of the local creative community.

The festival is a mix of:

  • Exhibitions

  • Workshops

  • Talks

  • Events

  • Art trail

  • Collaborative Art Projects

  • Open Calls

“‘When we started planning this (over a year ago now) I had no idea how big it would become and how many people would want to be involved.
I grew up in Guildford and to see this become a reality has been amazing!

The festival began after a chat with my co-founder, Lauren. We were talking about how, when we were growing up, it never felt like there were many opportunities for young creatives - or if there were, we didn’t know where to find them. Even as adults, we struggled to think of places in Guildford where we could do something creative without heading into London.

A bit of research showed us that this actually isn’t the case at all - there is loads happening in Guildford. The problem is that many people simply aren’t aware of it, or don’t know how to access it. That’s what we want to change.

The festival is our way of shining a spotlight on the creative spaces in the town and helping people discover them. It also creates new opportunities for aspiring artists of any age.

In 2025, we really saw this come to life. People kept telling us they’d discovered places they’d never visited before, signed up to mailing lists and memberships, and in some cases even returned as volunteers in these incredible spaces.’”
— Charlie, Co-founder and Director

Meet the team

  • Charlie Cluff - Co-founder and Director

  • Lauren Gerrard - Co-founder

  • Amishta Aubeelack - Advertising/Project Manager

  • Kelly Gerrard - Events Coordinator

  • Nathalie Scott (local artist) - Schools Open Call

  • Pete Gerrard - Schools Open Call and Installation

  • Peter Cluff - Accounts

  • Suzanne Cluff - Public Open Call

  • Cara Ellis - Design/Creative Director

FAQ

  • What is Guildford Festival of the Arts

    The Guildford Festival of the Arts is a community run event, resulting in a four-day celebration of the visual arts, showcasing the work of local artists and inviting the community to get involved by submitting artwork themselves, taking part in workshops or just following the art trail around town. It will take place from 25th - 28th of September 2025. Set in Guildford Town Centre.

  • What can be expected?

    You can expect exhibitions from local art spaces around Guildford town centre, workshops and talks hosted by talented local artists, an art trail with collectable stamps as well as community art projects and experiences.

    Our events can now be found on our Programme page here.

  • Who is involved in the festival?

    The festival brings together local art groups like Guildford Arts, Lockwood Studios, Experience Guildford, New House Art Space, the Yvonne Arnaud, G-Live and many more. Art venues, schools, universities, and charities will all be taking part through exhibitions and activities to showcase the wonderful work they do within the creative community.

  • How can I get involved?

    If you would like to be part of the team or volunteer in the build up and during the festival sign up on our Volunteers page here.

    Be sure to sure sign up and drop-in to events and workshops on the day as well - promote your fellow artists!

  • Is there somewhere during the festival I can find out infomation?

    The main information centre will be at the Tunsgate Quarter where you can find someone to help direct you in the right direction.

    You will also find our volunteers wearing Guildford Festival of the Arts t-shirts around Guildford town centre who should be able to help answer your questions

  • What is the Community Art Project?

    As part of the community art project, Charlie would like to build a similar installation to that of the one she built in memory of her grandfather. She hopes to build a photographic house from the memories of those who have photographed Guildford.

    More information can be found here.