After the success of their inaugural year, the Guildford Festival of the Arts will return in October 2026 to further showcase the talent of local artists and engage the community in creative experiences.

Taking place in Guildford Town Centre, the festival aims to rejuvenate the local art scene by showcasing independent shops, arts venues and creative spaces in a collaborative, community-focused way. It provides residents and visitors a unique opportunity to interact with artists, explore artistic disciplines, and participate in collaborative projects. The festival establishes Guildford as an arts hub, attracting visitors and strengthening local creative industries whilst encouraging ongoing engagement with venues and the local creative community.

Ellen is an artist, designer, and museum geek based in Guildford, working in London. Her practice is shaped by both her professional experience working in museums and galleries, and her academic background studying Fine Art at the Glasgow School of Art and Lancaster University.

Last year Ellen entered the Guildford Festival of the Arts Open Call and was delighted to be accepted and later voted as the public’s favourite with her work ‘100 Days of Lockdown’.

From Lana Del Ray to Joni Mitchell, Blue has long been an evocative colour provoking mystery, mood, and tone in Western pop. culture. 

Blue can also symbolise links to spiritual realms, from the blue skins of Hindu deities Vishnu, Krishna & Rama representing the vastness of ocean and sky, the sacred colour ‘Mayan Blue’ representing rain, fertility and divinity; to the divine blue hair of Buddha in Tibetan culture. 

Out of the Blue conjures the all encompassing swell of the world’s oceans to our planet’s place in an infinite universe - full of possibilities. An unexpected visit from a friend, a change in our everyday routine, a moment in time to treasure.