Metal and Cement Fields today, 30 April, announced the postponement of Estuary 2020. Originally due to take place in September and October 2020, the large-scale arts festival will now take place in spring 2021.
The decision to postpone the festival has been made in agreement with its key partners and funders, Creative Estuary, DCMS and Arts Council England. This will allow the ambitious, highly visible and transformational programme of work to achieve its aims and fully deliver on the month-long curated programme of visual arts, literature, performance, film and discussions. It reflects not only the impact of the current restrictions on public aspects of the programme, but also artistic production, community engagement, and schools’ programmes that lie at the heart of the project.
The Estuary curators remain committed to the artists and other collaborators whose work has been commissioned and curated in response to the estuary and its myriad of histories, landscapes, seascapes, stories, myths and realities. The postponement of the festival will give them the proper time to reflect on their contributions, many of which rely on input and participation from our estuary communities and ensure that the ambition of Estuary is delivered in full.
Moving this edition of Estuary to 2021 maintains its central importance to the success of the wider Creative Estuary project. As part of the Thames Estuary Production Corridor (TEPC) vision, this major initiative uses culture as a catalyst for growth in this unique part of the country. Stretching from Southend to Margate, Creative Estuary is driving forward the creative and economic evolution of this unique region, unlocking its potential both as an international production hub and a collaborative, inspirational working space for a new generation of creative talent.
Find out more about Estuary festival.
Published 30 April 2020