International Public Art Festival – Folkestone Triennial

Since 2008, Folkestone has run the internationally-renowned, 3-yearly art festival – the Folkestone Triennial. It is Creative Folkestone’s flagship event and has happened in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2021.  Sorcha Carey has been appointed to curate the 2025 Folkestone Triennial.  She has directed the Edinburgh Arts Festival since 2011.  Ms Carey is the Director of Collective, a new contemporary arts space in Edinburgh and with this connection Creative Folkestone can work together with Collective to demonstrate their ambitions to work across borders and their commitment to developing artists.

Discover Folkestone through Art

The first curator – Andrea Schlieker – put exhibits all over town so that everywhere became a part of the festival.  For example, Tracey Emin’s baby clothes lead visitors and residents to discover not only art, but parts of the town they wouldn’t normally see.

Fast-forward 15 years and we have seen 5 fantastic festivals.  Folkestone is now home to over 74 permanent artworks from Mark Wallinger, Pablo Bronstein, Yoko Ono.  Similarly Richard Wilson, Pae White, Christian Boltanski and Spencer Finch grace our streets and beaches.

Lewis Biggs has curated the last 3 Triennials – 2021, 2017 and 2014.  His thoughts on the transition of the festival through that period, and the artists for the 2021 event – The Plot, can be read here.

The artworks engage with our environment, and relate to the town.  Maps are available showing where the art is located for all to enjoy free of charge.

Folkestone’s creative support

Creative Folkestone is supported by The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, Arts Council England, Kent County Council and Folkestone and Hythe District Council, Creative Folkestone has put Folkestone on the map as a world-class artist venue.

The Creative Foundation was rebranded Creative Folkestone in 2019.

Picture credit: Creative Folkestone