Artist Spotlight: Celebrating Brixham's creative spirit

Welcome back to our arts column!

For those new to these pages, this is where we celebrate the incredible creative talent flourishing across Torbay. Each fortnight, I sit down with artists, gallery owners, and cultural organisers to explore what makes our local arts scene so special.

This time, we're looking back at something rather wonderful that just wrapped up: the inaugural Festival of Arts Brixham. If you missed it, you missed a treat – but don't worry, I have a feeling this won't be the last we hear of FAB (as it's affectionately known).

I caught up with Sarah Bell, co-organiser from A Kick Up The Arts Brixham, to hear how it all went:

Sarah, the first Festival of Arts Brixham has just finished. How are you feeling?

"Absolutely thrilled! It's been a wonderful coming together of so many creative people. The festival really shone a light on all the great things that already happen here in Brixham — and it's sparked new conversations and collaborations that we hope will carry on long after the weekend."

What was the response like from the community?

"Incredible, honestly. Across our partnership venues — the Museum, Library, Theatre, A Kick Up The Arts, and The Music Factory — events were buzzing. Many were sold out or completely full, showing just how much appetite there is locally for arts and culture."

Any particular highlights that stand out?

"The Scala Saturday Social was a great success. Around 350 people came through the doors that day, with a fantastic atmosphere from start to finish. The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive. One performer told us: 'Performing as part of Brixham Folk Club Collective on Friday night, and again with the Torbay Galliards at The Scala Social on Saturday, was a wonderful experience. The connections made with other people have been a real bonus.'

"And we had another lovely message from an attendee who wrote: 'THANK YOU to Sarah and the team for having the inspiration and commitment to create FAB. It's been brilliant.'"

What made you most proud about the festival?

"The way it brought people together across generations and creative disciplines. From the Music Factory at Brixham Theatre — community music at its finest — to the teen graffiti workshop at the Library with Szabotage, and the colourful Devon Colour Walkers who filled the streets with dancing and colour... the whole event was a celebration of creativity, connection, and community."

So, is this the beginning of something bigger?

"We're already gathering data from ticket sales and our playful 'bottle top evaluation' at the Scala, but one thing's already clear: the Festival of Arts Brixham was a hit — and it's only the beginning."

What strikes me most about Sarah's vision is how the festival wasn't just about putting on events – it was about creating connections. In a world where we're increasingly digital and disconnected, there's something profoundly important about gathering together to celebrate creativity in all its forms.

The sold-out events and packed venues tell us something important: our community is hungry for arts and culture. Brixham has shown us that when you create the space for creativity to flourish, people will come.

Here's to FAB, and to all the creative collaborations it's sparked. Something tells me this is just the beginning.

If you'd like to be featured in our Artist Spotlight series, know of an upcoming exhibition worth sharing, or represent a gallery or arts organisation we should visit, drop us a line athannah@print2wall.co.uk.