Rye Arts Festival CIO
Rye Arts Festival is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Rye and the surrounding region through a programme of arts, literature, music, performance and ideas.
Established in 1972, the Festival has become one of the South East’s most respected cultural events, attracting internationally renowned artists, authors, musicians, speakers and performers while remaining firmly rooted in the local community.
Today, as a registered charity, Rye Arts Festival exists to advance education and public engagement in the arts, ensuring that high-quality cultural experiences are accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
Our Charitable Purpose
The Festival’s charitable objectives are centred on promoting, improving and advancing public education and appreciation of the arts. Through its annual festival and associated activities, Rye Arts Festival seeks to:
- Present high-quality artistic, literary and cultural events.
- Encourage participation in the arts by people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Support learning, creativity and cultural understanding.
- Provide opportunities for emerging and established artists to share their work.
- Contribute to the cultural vitality and economic wellbeing of Rye and the wider region.
- Foster community engagement through shared cultural experiences.
- Community Benefit
As a CIO, Rye Arts Festival operates solely for public benefit. Any surplus generated through ticket sales, donations, sponsorship or fundraising is reinvested into the Festival’s charitable activities, helping to sustain and develop future programmes, educational initiatives and community engagement projects.
The Festival aims to make culture accessible and inclusive, offering opportunities for local residents and visitors alike to experience outstanding performances, discussions, exhibitions and events. Through partnerships with local organisations, venues, schools, artists and volunteers, Rye Arts Festival plays an important role in supporting the cultural life of the area.
Governance and Stewardship
Rye Arts Festival is governed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for ensuring that the charity fulfils its objectives, operates effectively and remains true to its mission. The Trustees bring a range of professional skills, experience and perspectives, helping to guide the strategic direction of the Festival and safeguard its long-term future.
The Festival’s success also depends on the dedication of volunteers, patrons, sponsors, donors and supporters whose contributions enable the organisation to continue delivering a programme of artistic excellence year after year.
Looking Forward
More than fifty years after its foundation, Rye Arts Festival continues to celebrate the transformative power of the arts. As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, it remains committed to inspiring audiences, supporting creativity, promoting education and ensuring that arts and culture continue to thrive in Rye for generations to come.
Annual Report and Accounts
You can download the latest Trustees’ Reports and Financial Statements here:
The documents detail our charity information, Trustees’ Report, Statement of Financial Activities for the year, the Balance Sheet and Notes to the Accounts.