2
ON THE ARTS MAP
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
FOLKESTONE: A COASTAL CANVAS FOR CREATIVITY THIS SUMMER
There’ s something in the air in Folkestone. Perhaps it’ s the sea breeze that carries the scent of salt and the promise of inspiration. Or maybe it’ s the unique energy of a town that has quietly, confidently established itself as a beacon for creativity. This summer, that creative spirit is set to shine even brighter with the return of one of the UK’ s most ambitious contemporary art exhibitions: Folkestone Triennial.
From 19 July to 19 October, Folkestone becomes the stage for How Lies the Land?, the sixth edition of this internationally recognised exhibition of contemporary public art. Organised by Creative Folkestone and curated by Sorcha Carey, the triennial invites 18 artists from more than 15 countries to reimagine the town through bold, site-specific commissions. From large-scale sculptures and digital installations to sound pieces and community collaborations, artworks will appear in unexpected corners of the town, encouraging new ways of seeing the landscape and our connection to it.
Folkestone Triennial is more than an art exhibition. It is a celebration of place, identity and imagination. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Kent’ s coast, the exhibition makes the most of the town’ s rich mix of architecture, industry and natural beauty. Whether it’ s a disused railway line, a historic customs house or a coastal lookout, each location adds depth and meaning to the artworks it hosts. These sites also carry powerful stories of migration, environmental change and local resilience, connecting Folkestone’ s past to conversations happening around the world.
Since launching in 2008, Folkestone Triennial has helped cement the town’ s position on the international cultural map, drawing visitors from across the globe and inspiring artists to see public space differently.
In 2021, the exhibition welcomed over 220,000 visitors and this summer’ s edition is set to build on that momentum. For residents and visitors alike, it’ s a chance to experience the town through a new lens- one shaped by creativity, curiosity and conversation.
Whether you are exploring the harbour, following the coast or getting lost in the colourful alleyways of the Creative Quarter, you are never far from art in Folkestone. The triennial makes sure of that. It invites you to slow down, to look again and to discover the extraordinary in the everyday.
Plan your visit and prepare to see Folkestone- and perhaps the world- in a new light. This summer, art is everywhere.
creativefolkestone. org. uk creativefstone www. insidekent. co. uk • 83