Media invited to official launch event: 4pm, 29 July 2025 at Loreburn Hall, Dumfries
After 46 years as Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival, today the organisation announces a bold new chapter; a transformation into Arts D&G - a dynamic, year-round performing arts programme dedicated to reaching every corner of their home region of Dumfries and Galloway.
What began as a ten-day festival centred in Dumfries in 1979 has grown into something far greater: a region-wide platform for performance, creativity, and connection. With this relaunch, Arts D&G shifts from a traditional festival model to an ongoing cultural movement, championing accessibility, inclusivity, and artistic excellence across Dumfries & Galloway.
“People. Performance. Participation”, the charity’s new tagline, embodies their organisational focus on three core pillars. Arts D&G brings world-class performing arts to both urban and rural communities, connecting audiences with high quality performance, nurturing emerging artists, and sparking a love of live performance in the next generation.
The organisation’s programming spans theatre, dance, music, comedy, spoken word, and poetry - embracing everything from opera, to new writing theatre, and contemporary music gigs. This “multi-brow” approach ensures that everyone, regardless of taste or background, finds something that resonates with them, right on their doorstep.
Arts D&G also plays a vital developmental role in the cultural landscape. Through outreach programmes like Up Yer Airts and innovative community-led projects such as Pickle Play in Eskdalemuir, the organisation supports creative growth from the grassroots up - especially among young people and schools.
Accompanying this evolution is a vibrant new brand identity, designed by partners Bold Studio, to reflect the energy and diversity of the region’s arts scene.
Simon Hart, CEO of Arts D&G:
“This relaunch of our organisation reflects the fact that the cultural sector is flourishing in Dumfries and Galloway, and that residents have a real desire to engage with live performance in all its forms, throughout the year. Arts D&G is a platform for participation, a catalyst for creativity, and a celebration of the incredible talent across Dumfries and Galloway. I can’t wait to begin the next phase of Arts D&G.”
I’d also like to thank Community Enterprise Brand for Growth Programme. and Creative Scotland for their support in making this relaunch possible.
Maureen Johnstone, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council's Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee:
“The Arts Festival has been a beacon of cultural development not only in Dumfries and Galloway but across rural Scotland over the past forty years. The many trustees and officers who have guided the Festival in this time have shown complete commitment to the arts and serving as many rural communities of south-west Scotland as possible. It is an inspiring history and the Festival is once more going from strength to strength in this period after the pandemic. I'm looking forward to what the future brings for the Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival as it relaunches with a new name and identity at the end of July.”
Laura Mackenzie Stuart, Head of Theatre, Creative Scotland:
“We are delighted to have been able to confirm Multi-Year Funding to Arts D&G for the next three years. This recognises the fabulous range and quality, not only of the much anticipated annual Festival but also within the extensive year-round programme of activity which brings in bold and engaging work, and brings out the creativity of those who live across the region. We keenly await your refreshed look and wish you much success with the launch.”
Katy Taylor, Chair of the Arts D&G Board:
“This is such an exciting time for Arts D&G. Our rebrand marks more than just a new look – it represents a bold step forward for creativity in Dumfries and Galloway, made possible by the opportunities afforded through our recently awarded multi-year funding from Creative Scotland together with the support of a wide range of funder. What makes this moment truly special is the incredible work of our small but dedicated team, who have consistently punched above their weight – building vibrant audiences, forging partnerships, and creating opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with high-quality arts experiences. This next chapter is full of promise.”
As Arts D&G steps into its new identity, its mission remains rooted in the values that have shaped it: to inspire, engage, and support the performing arts community, ensuring exceptional cultural experiences for both residents and visitors alike.
Arts D&G’s Autumn Winter programme of events will be announced on 29 July.
