The community arts festival is curated by Catherine Bourne and will take place from the 1st – 16th June, 2012.

The theme for 2012 is Storytelling, inviting participants to interpret the theme through visual arts, film and theatre. Storytelling exists in all facets of life: we tell stories and anecdotes to engage others and break down isolating barriers between individuals or groups. Storytelling can enrich our lives, it can be cathartic,
it can impart wisdom or illustrate values and customs.

New work from over 50 Bristol based contemporary artists explore Storytelling in the South Western English landscape, challenging notions of history and identity of place. Venues such as St John the Baptist church, empty retail spaces as well as Bristol Cathedral and Central Library ensure the festival experience is open to all. There will also be film screenings and events at the Watershed cinema and from the Biennial hub in College Green.

International artists and curators have been invited participate in a programme of exhibitions exploring the theme from countries as diverse as Mexico, Australia, USA, Russia, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Spain and Italy. The aim is to create a universal dialogue about the nature of identity and communication through exhibitions, performances and symposiums.

Bristol Biennial is a not for profit community interest group, run by volunteers.