Since our first festival in 2008, it has always been free to register for an artist space, and for visitors to attend. We want to keep it that way so this year we'll be adapting our approach and hosting a 17 day cultural programme.

In place of our weekend festival, Upfest will return in 2024 in a new guise, with new artworks being painted across 2 weeks. UPFEST PRESENTS...will pop-up at multiple venues across Bedminster and wider BS3 with free to attend workshops, live painting, artist talks, arts activities, panel discussions, theatre, comedy and tours exploring the area.

Artists will be invited to paint large scale murals on buildings throughout the area, with a schedule available for visitors to pop by and see their progress. They will also take part in mini paint-jams, talks and panel discussions about their work and visitors and artists alike will be invited to curated events at venues in Bedminster and beyond.

We’re not an ‘invitation only’ festival. Anyone’s welcome to apply to be a festival artist and we give as many people as possible the opportunity to paint. We’re always humbled that so many artists want to take part, and on the whole at their own cost. In return, they get a fantastic platform for their work, the opportunity to develop and come together with other artists, which often leads to new partnerships and collaborations.

The festival also contributes to the local economy and the quality of life in the community that extends way beyond the festival weekend. And our volunteers, partners, and visitors - who often come from around the globe and from all walks of life - tell us it’s a brilliant event and always a highlight of the year.

Whether you can donate £5 or £250 your contribution will make a real difference to how many artists and activites we can host at UPFEST PRESENTS.

We hope to raise 10% of our 2024 budget through your donations and support.

Where will the rest of the funding come from?

Alongside asking for your support through donations, we’re also working with a sponsorship expert to help us find sponsors for the festival that align with our values and ethics. We are also extreamly pleased to be working with Arts Council England who are a major contributor in 2024.