Thousands raised as Swaffham arts festival draws to a close
International and national charities have been supported at this year’s Swaffham Visual Arts Festival as more than £4,500 was raised.
Polio Plus and disaster relief charities in Indonesia and the Philippines were the nominated global charities alongside the Samaritans and various mental health charities in the Swaffham area.
Well-known local artists such as Jane Hodgson and internationally acclaimed installation artist Rebecca Louise Law were on hand to provide talks at the George Hotel and Westacre Theatre respectively.
After last year’s event raised a mammoth £6,800, chairman Stephen Ward said it was always going to be difficult to improve on such a total.
He said: “Last year was exceptional with it being nice sunny weather and people coming along to visit on their way back to London after travelling to the coast.
“There were just under 300 pictures on sale this year and 35 of them sold which gave us the overall sum.”
The festival was run in conjunction with Watton-based ABEL Homes, who were the main sponsor of the event.
Mr Ward added: “We run the event for several reasons. As well as raising money for terrific causes, it is an opportunity to enhance art in what is a bit of a desert for art in West Norfolk.
“The festival allows us to extend arts and culture into the community with artists coming from a wide range of areas including the North Norfolk coast and all the way down to Suffolk.”