Boscombe-based BEAF Arts Co has announced the headline artists, performers and key commissions for its 2023 Arts Festival.

Taking place over ten days from June 16 to 25, BEAF 2023 is set to be the biggest independent arts festival in Bournemouth.

The highlights include:

• Launch Party at the O2 Academy, Bournemouth, on Friday June 16 (tickets now on sale).
• ‘Boscombe World’ by artist Harold Offeh.
• First custom-built festival Art Pavilion for workshops, performances and events.
• ‘Portraits of Boscombe’ – Photographer Brendan Barry creates a life-size camera obscura.
• Dance circus showcase by Joli Vyann at the Food Bank in Boscombe.
• Performances by The Outsiders Project.
• Film programme and lots more.

BEAF 2023’s full programme will be announced on April 1.

Carol Maund, pictured left, BEAF Arts Company Founder and Director, said: “This year’s festival theme is focused on bringing unheard voices to Boscombe.

“We’re collaborating with national and international artists, but we’re also nurturing and supporting our local talent for this multi-artform festival.

“BEAF Arts Festival 2023 is set to be a true celebration of accessible, inclusive and original art in all forms.

“Amplifying voices and sharing experiences with the community.”

Early bird tickets are now on sale for the BEAF Launch Party on Friday June 16 at the O2 Academy in Bournemouth.

Soweto-based Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (known as BCUC) will combine a heady mix of indigenous funk, hip hop and punk rock energy.

Picture: Shudufhadzo Lubengo.

BCUC, pictured, will be supported by the band Harare from Zimbabwe.

Ticket prices start from £15 and can be obtained at gotbeaf.co.uk.

BEAF’s pop-up arts space, Boscombe Arts Depot (B.A.D) will host BEAF’s major festival exhibition, Boscombe World by artist Harold Offeh.

Boscombe World, a BEAF commission, is described as an adventurous visual and sensory installation, inviting curiosity and play.

Artist Harold Offeh said: “Boscombe World explores the area’s rich history as a seaside resort for visitors in search of health, recuperation and pleasure brought into dialogue with Boscombe’s contemporary perception as a place for recovery, sanctuary and asylum.”

BEAF is creating its first festival Art Pavilion on Boscombe’s shopping precinct.

The BEAF Art Pavilion will be a welcoming space for workshops, performances and, perhaps, even a game of backgammon or two.

Picture: Gigi Giannella

Boscombe-based dance duo Joli Vyann, pictured, are to showcase their fusion of dance circus with participants from BEAF Arts Co’s Seeking Refuge project.

Organised as a fundraiser for Boscombe Foodbank, Stateless combines voices from the refugees with the experimental sounds from Japanese composer Nao Masuda who will be playing live on the Taiko drums.

• gotbeaf.co.uk.