Camberwell Arts Festival returned on 14 June, celebrating its 31st year as the UK’s longest running visual arts festival.
First launched in 1994 by Selina Hamilton and a group of local artists and residents, the festival has grown into a vibrant nine-day celebration of creativity, community, and culture.
Organised by the charity Camberwell Arts, the festival partners with local artists, studios, galleries and community groups to deliver a diverse programme of exhibitions, open studios, performances, workshops and interactive installations.
Natasha Godfrey, Camberwell Arts market organiser, said: “We want to connect artists to the community so that we can all work together.”
This year’s theme – ‘free for all’ – focused on participation and inclusivity.
Visitors were encouraged to get involved, whether by creating their own artwork at interactive easels, exploring open galleries, or simply browsing the amazing art on sale at the launch party.
Illustrator Trish Is Not My Name said: “Having events like these are absolutely fabulous for everyone in the community and I love being a part of it.”
The weekend also featured live music and a community dog show, with Pepper, a five-year-old Shiba Inu, stealing the show and winning the rosette for ‘Best Tricks’.
Now a fixture in the Camberwell calendar, the festival continues to showcase the area’s rich artistic landscape while promoting access to the arts for all.
Join the discussion