What does GIFT mean to those who attend?
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Each year we gather feedback and testimony from artists, audiences and participants.
The following quotes are taken directly from GIFT 2026 Survey Feedback and are offered here as insight into the necessary role that GIFT plays in the North East ecology.
We asked our audience: "What three words would you use to describe GIFT?"
"Connection, Creative, Quality"
"Engaging, Thoughtful, Meaningful"
"Unique, Welcoming, Exciting"
"Thought-Provoking Shared Experience"
"Engaging, Fruitful, Motivating"
"Fresh, Inspiring, Impressive"
"Daring, Joyful, Stimulating"
"Memorable, Enjoyable, Adventurous"
"Astonishing, Friendly, Innovative"
GIFT 2026 Select Images. Credit Von Fox Promotions (Scroll to view)
Programmed Artists told us:
"GIFT is an intimate, generous, and deeply human festival. Presenting AWAKE & STILL DROWNING there felt carefully held and meaningfully connected to the place, the audiences, and the wider artistic community. It is rare to be part of a festival where the work, the people, and the city feel so thoughtfully in conversation with one another." Dustin Harvey, GIFT 2026 Artist, Canada
"GIFT once again delivered a diverse range of works exploring issues within the current sociopolitical climate, creating strong connections with local audiences. It was inspiring to witness the level of audience engagement, not only through attentive listening and the sharing of critical reflections, but also through participation in the festival’s various creative activities." Ziza, GIFT 2026 Artist, Gateshead
How is GIFT different to other festivals you've experienced as an artist?
"Gift welcomes you with a warmth that is quite unique; it all feels tangible, unlike many other festivals I have attended. Form the volunteers, to the audiences, team, artists, venue hosts... we all become a temporary community that nurtures and soothes - exactly what an artists needs" iara Solano, GIFT 2026 Artist, Spain
"It feels different because it considers the connections. It brings artists and audiences together. It never feels like there is competition. It realises how important all elements are to make the festival work. It feels less hierarchical. We are all in it together! Sadly, this is not always the case. It always is with GIFT. This is what marks GIFT out." Andy Smith, GIFT 2026 Artist, Lancaster
And Artists as Audience Members told us:
"GIFT festival is my favourite event of the year. It is innovative, inspiring, joyous and endlessly welcoming. The beauty of GIFT is that it is an accessible event that brings people (whether working in the arts or not) together to share, support, and learn alongside each other.
As a creative based in the North East GIFT offers me a chance to connect with a global community of artists to strengthen both my personal practice and our collective insight. I have forged creative connections during the festival that have offered shared work practices and led to collaborating on creative projects in our local community.
The work at GIFT is aspirational, pushing the possibilities of what can be achieved and forging a community alongside it. Without this festival I would have to travel extensively to gain access to such new and exciting creative experiences. Having it on my doorstep really is a gift."
Local Artist attending as audience/participant, GIFT 2026
"There was always a really nice mix of generations, experiences and ideas in the room and I enjoyed how much people attending, and audiences were invited in and valued by everyone- including staff, artists and other visitors." Local Artist attending as Participant
"GIFT festival is so valuable and necessary for the region. It brings international work to our door step and makes it affordable, accessible and inviting for all. I feel so lucky to live in the region that GIFT is in. I would not have seen this work without it." Local Artist attending as Volunteer, Audience, Participant.
Comments