After a successful pilot in 2023, the Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival is making a vibrant return this weekend, running from June 13-29, writes Louisa Woolf…
The West London festival is centred on the theme of “Cultural Reforesting,” inviting the community to explore how art can renew our relationship with nature and inspire positive social change.
Over two weeks, more than 50 events will take place across Richmond, with performances, exhibitions, installations, and workshops hosted in venues and public spaces throughout the borough.
Festival hubs include The Exchange in Twickenham, OSO Arts Centre, and Hampton Common, bringing a rich mix of creativity to local neighbourhoods.
The programme features a diverse lineup of artists, activists, storytellers, scientists, and thinkers who interpret the theme through innovative and engaging works.
Highlights include Lebanese live artist Tania El Khoury’s immersive performance ‘Memory of Birds’, exploring collective memory and political trauma; and ‘ORIGIN’, a unique deep listening experience blending spatial sound, lighting, and music to create a calming space for reflection.
Technology meets nature in ‘The Waves are Rising’, an augmented reality piece that poetically addresses environmental issues affecting the Thames and global waterways.
British-Gujarati artist Shyam Dattani’s participatory outdoor dance ‘Garbh’ celebrates heritage and community with a dynamic sand terrain stage.
Another highlight will be the ‘Beuys’ Acorns Oak Circle’ event on June 21st, led by international artists Ackroyd & Harvey, which celebrates the Summer Solstice with tree planting, rituals, and creative workshops inspired by environmental art activism.
The Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival promises a thought-provoking, inclusive celebration of creativity, community, and nature.
The festival was launched by Richmond Arts Service as part of Culture Richmond’s 10-year plan to create a vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape across the borough by 2031.
Richmond Council’s Spokesperson for Arts, John Coombs said: “Richmond upon Thames has long been a home for artists, a place where creativity takes root and flourishes.
“Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival highlights this spirit, using the arts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
“Cultural Reforesting is about more than just nature – it’s about renewal, regeneration, and the power of creativity to inspire change.
“Through this festival, we invite everyone to be part of a movement that reimagines our future, reconnects us with the natural world, and proves that art has a vital role to play in the climate conversation.”
For full details, visit the Richmond Arts and Ideas Festival website.
