Brilliant, electrifying, weird, radical, curious, unexpected, dramatic, visionary, provocative – contemporary visual art in the heart of rural Derbyshire. Wirksworth and its surrounds have a unique character and situation, positioned at the meeting point between rural and urban, agricultural and industrial, ancient and contemporary.

The relaxed, accessible way to enjoy the best new work from regional, national and international artists in a relaxed and beautiful setting.

Much of the work is at our key venues – The Parish Rooms and St Mary’s Church – with other work around town for you to seek out or stumble upon.  Featuring selected work from some of the regions' best graduates, the Festival is also the ideal place to discover new and exciting talent.

The film above features some of the work produced by 2011 commissioned artists.

Applications for the 2012 Commissioned Programme are now closed.