A year ago, when we first dreamed up our theme for Od Arts Festival 2020, we could never have imagined how relevant it would become.
Alone with Everybody was our way of thinking about solitude – as experienced by people close to us in our community, as well as an important part of the creative process for artists and writers. We also sought to understand global trends of nationalism and isolationism, emerging in countries around the world.
Now, as Covid-19 spreads rapidly in populations globally, more of us are starting to realise that isolation is not only something suffered by – or a luxury afforded to – certain people. Isolation might also be an ethical choice to withdraw. Isolation has become a way in which we can protect our communities, even while forming communities is the best way of caring for those who are alone.
As we launched our festival programme at our Solitary Encounters seminar last week, we were hoping that Od Arts Festival could go ahead as planned. But with the latest predictions indicating that the peak of the pandemic is likely to happen in the UK in May and June, it is clear that this is not going to be possible.
We have decided to postpone Od Arts Festival 2020 until Autumn.
It is important to us that everyone, especially vulnerable people in our community, have the opportunity to experience artworks and share ideas, without putting their health at risk. But we will honour our obligation to all participating artists to present and pay for their work – we are aware that it is going to be a tough year for freelancers and creative workers.
We’re so grateful for the continued support and understanding of our artists, funders, partners and wider community. Please take care and we’ll be in touch soon.
The Festival Team; Simon, Vickie, Chantelle & Rowan x
