Spring Fling Update / COVID-19

Upland COVID-19 statement:                                                                                                
Spring Fling Open Studios 2020

In light of recent government announcements, the tightening of restrictions and the rise in Covid-19 cases across the region, Upland has made the very hard decision to take the full Spring Fling Open Studios event online.

Originally, we had hoped to deliver the combined format of a part digital, part physical event, with some studios planning to open to local audiences if Government guidelines allowed. Recent guidelines this week have however meant that many studios planning to open from their homes can no longer do so.

Spring Fling is an event that actively encourages the movement of thousands of visitors between many studios across the region, therefore, we feel a great responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of our participating artists and makers, the public and the communities in which we live. With the rising number of cases both in and out with the region and the potential for further restrictions, we feel that not opening any studios for the 2020 event is a difficult yet necessary decision to make.

Some studios that are not affected by the recent Government guidelines may choose to open their studios independent of the event. Any information on this will be on their own business websites and social media.

We now endeavour to throw all our energies into the digital event and we hope you will join us (virtually) as we continue to shine a light on the work of our talented artists and makers and celebrate the creativity of the region across our platforms. Spring Fling’s online programme will go live on Monday 5^th October and run until Monday 12^th October.

The main element will be our Virtual Studios. Both staff and participants have worked hard over the past weeks to bring you new insights into their studios and how work is made. For the first time ever, many studios will be presenting videos on the Spring Fling website and these virtual studios aim to recreate the ‘studio feel’ where possible. On top of this, we are pleased to present free online workshops and the chance to buy work! Away from the screens you can view Looking In, a series of window exhibitions across the region giving residents the chance to see work in the windows of their local shops!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our audiences for their continued support and we look forward to welcoming you back into our homes and studios when it is safe to do so.

Sarah Stewart,

Chair, on behalf of the Board and Staff of Upland Arts Development CIC

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View the full programme for this year’s event here: www.spring-fling.co.uk