At last year’s event, Colourscrape provided the Fringe with its first major art opening at the Civic Hall where a local college student had the unique opportunity to exhibit his photography work with established artists of all disciplines. It also showcased renowned international installation graffiti artist Cholo Apolo in the town who also provided 2 days of workshops for young people to access and learn about spraycan art, something which does not feature in the art curriculum in schools. We also provided the chance for people to attend a life drawing seminar to learn new artistic techniques. Colourscrape also provided a morning workshop for children at a local primary school, where they had the chance to work on a variety of environmental pieces of art and have these on permanent display in the NCP car park.

But 2012 heralds a bigger coming for visual arts at the Fringe, a chance for all local schools and colleges to work closer with established artists, take part in a variety of activities in the town. A chance for local artists to showcase their talent alongside artists who they may not have had the chance to work with before and forge successful links. A chance for fashion and art to mix in a catwalk show. A chance for local businesses to have the visual arts as a main function within the Fringe week.