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 and 2017.

The Folkestone Triennial returns in 2021 from September to November, having been postponed from 2020.  This will be the fifth edition, and the theme is The Plot. Lewis Biggs, who’s curated the last 3 Triennials, will bring around 20 newly commissioned artworks by internationally acclaimed 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 10 years and we have seen 4 fantastic festivals.  Folkestone is now home to over 70 permanent artworks from Mark Wallinger, Pablo Bronstein, Yoko Ono.  Similarly Richard Wilson, Pae White, Christian Boltanski and Spencer Finch grace our streets and beaches.

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

Discover more about Folkestone’s creativity: