D&G Arts relaunches itself to transform the region’s creative sector
The charity’s new tagline is “People. Performance. Participation.”
Last updated 30th Jul 2025
A region-wide organisation supporting the local creative sector has relaunched its programme to be more inclusive.
D&G Arts has secured core funding from Creative Scotland, meaning local initiatives put on by young, upcoming artists, such as Up Yer Airts, are protected for the next three years.
They used to be called "D&G Arts Festival", but with the relaunch, they've dropped the "Festival" to make themselves a year-round, more accessible arts organisation.
The idea is to give more opportunities for people interested in the likes of theatre, comedy, or music, so they do not become enticed to leave the region.
With the transformation underway, the organisation is working towards making the region a hotspot for local and national artists.
Chief Executive Simon Hart says this is a chance for them to reinvent themselves after 46 years.
“This made sense for us to change the identity of the organisation; new logo, new website, so that we can be much clearer to our audience throughout Dumfries and Galloway about all of the other things we do, apart from our festival in May.
“This will make it much easier for us to highlight and showcase the work of local artists, but also for all of the leading companies that we bring from the rest of the country down into the region.”
He hopes this transformation will be a game-changer:
“I think because we will have a more consistent presence in our audiences’ minds, that we could be much clearer about the types of events that we bring to the region, in all different performing art forms.
“I think it will also enable venues or artists who live or work in the region to engage with us much more easily. Then, together, we can create even more exciting events, both large and small, throughout Dumfries and Galloway.”
Aisling Anderson, from Marketing and Communications at D&G Arts, is eager for this relaunch to attract more talent from farther afield.
“The main purpose of the relaunch is purely to make us more accessible to people on the outside. For the last 46 years, we’ve been doing this kind of work, but people see the word ‘festival’ in our name and ignore us, because they think that we’re just doing our festival in May.”
“This is just so important because it will help people understand what we do. People will recognise us and the work that we do.
“We’ve got a really incredible network of young musicians in the region at the moment who interact with us and work with us regularly, but we are missing out on all these people, because our overarching organisation says ‘festival’, so people are ignoring us.
“I’m just really looking forward to collaborating with more people who will now see us as a year-round arts organisation that they feel they will be able to get involved with.”
Maureen Johnstone, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council's Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, says, “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.”
Head of Theatre at Creative Scotland, Laura Mackenzie Stuart, says, “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.”
Chair of the Arts D&G Board, Katy Taylor, says, “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.”