Our freedom of expression through art and activism are of even greater significance, as is our capacity to take care of ourselves and one another during this time.
Channel Festival explored the profound role of the sea in our lives and its impact on our mental and physical wellbeing.
This first edition offered a compact programme intended to offer an introduction to some of its ideas and offer a platform for discussion about what the festival could be in the future.
Through the theme of ‘Open Water’ - dedicated to the sea swimming community in Felixstowe who ‘take the plunge’ whatever the weather - the events celebrate coastal life, recall Felixstowe’s history as a Victorian spa town and highlight it’s active sporting communities.
Artist Yva Jung introduced her public art installation 'The Distance Between’ (2022) , a series of visual essays that explore the notion of distance(ing) in the context of the seaside Felixstowe; and Lynn Dennison's opening exhibition film of 'Sea Swimmers'.
Channel Festival was developed and curated by Pier Projects delivered in partnership with Hamilton Micro Arts Space and supported by Felixstowe Library , Felixstowe Pier, Active Suffolk (This Girl Can) and East of England Coop. It is funded by Suffolk County Council through Covid Continuity Fund for Culture and East Suffolk District Council’s Enabling Communities Grant.
