The b-side Arts Festival is returning to the Isle of Portland from the 5th to the 8th of September, this time with Portland Marina as its headline sponsor.

This will be the first time the marina, which is part of the boatfolk group, has taken on the role in the festival’s ten year history.

b-side festival, Dorset’s celebrated contemporary arts event, is set to showcase an array of exhibits by local and international artists.

This year, the festival’s theme, “Who Do We Think We Are?”, invites creatives to delve into stories of migration and identity, exploring the enriching diversity of heritage and culture.

Portland Marina is seen as an ideal venue for this celebration, with its historic location at the heart of Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and as the site of the 2012 London Olympics sailing events.

The marina will host various showcases, including a piece by international artist Gil Mualem Doron titled “The New Union Flag Rules the Waves.” This thought-provoking work has been displayed at prestigious venues such as Tate Modern and Turner Contemporary and a new version will debut at the festival.

Portland Marina will also be the site for a mass kite-making workshop involving hundreds of participants, including local schoolchildren, who will fly their creations over the English Channel. Additionally, a projection event will open the festival on 5th September, highlighting Portland’s significance and the festival’s theme of unity.

Rocca Holly-Nambi, Director of b-side, said: “As we celebrate our tenth festival, it remains crucial to spotlight the Isle of Portland’s rich offerings and its stories through art. Having Portland Marina as a major sponsor enhances our ability to foster a sense of community and shared history.”

Jon Eads, Area General Manager of boatfolk, added: “We are thrilled to partner with b-side as the headline sponsor. Portland Marina is a vibrant hub for all things maritime, and an excellent venue for an event that celebrates human connection and local heritage. We eagerly anticipate the festival.”

For more information, visit the b-side website https://b-side.org.uk/ and follow b-side festival on Instagram @bsidefestival, Twitter @bsidefest, and Facebook @bsidefest & https://www.boatfolk.co.uk/portland-marina-dorset and on Facebook @portlandmarina and Instagram @Portland_Marina.