Up Front Festival

Our mission is simple, we want to provide an accessible platform for early–career artists in Liverpool to showcase their talents. Composed of 8 Merseyside-based artists hailing from various backgrounds. We have experienced first hand the hard work, long hours and financial risks artists take in order to participate in festivals across the UK. Our goal with Up Front is to eliminate the red tape for our participants so that they can focus on what truly matters; their work.  

100% of the money raised in this crowd funder will go towards supporting local artists. 

The event will be a one-of-a-kind, multidisciplinary arts festival featuring musicians, actors, writers, comedians, dancers, and visual artists. Audiences will weave through a tapestry of dynamic performances that transform our spaces into vibrant canvases. From the pulsating beats of live music to the spontaneous bursts of laughter echoing from stand-up comedy sets, the weekend will be a testament to the boundless creativity that Liverpool nurtures.

The festival promises a diverse programme, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in an array of artistic expressions. In the realm of theatre, the event serves as a platform for artists to experiment with new works or showcase established pieces they may be considering for future tours.

For spoken word enthusiasts, the festival will dedicate numerous 10-15 minute slots for poets and comedians to showcase their talents. The festival space will also double as an exhibition hall, creating a venue for local visual artists to display their creations.

As a significant part of Liverpool’s creative history, music will be integral to our programme. Beyond conventional gig formats, our festival aims to distinguish itself by featuring not only full bands but also smaller acoustic sets, duos, and individual performances. The inclusion of two performance spaces enhances our ability to curate a diverse musical experience.

The project is designed to create an environment where artists feel empowered to create, and where we facilitate their development by addressing key logistical challenges of touring work.

Financial Ease: We aim to eliminate any potential financial risk for all performing artists by having no application fee.

Base Rate: All artists will be paid a base rate for performances, with the festival's profits being split equally among performers.

Logistical Support: By providing 1-2-1 online sessions pre- and post-festival, we will build a supportive community within our artist database, sharing the organisation’s knowledge and guidance throughout the artist's journey.

Industry Networking: Attracting industry professionals and agents to the festival will significantly enhance the artists' visibility, networking opportunities, and potential for career advancement in the industry.

Bursaries: Selected by our partners and an impartial panel, Up Front will award separate bursaries after the festival’s completion. This will provide our artists with the resources to flourish creatively and opportunities for development and future recognition.

The festival will be their first experience, a launching pad, a networking opportunity, and a chance for new and exciting collaborations.

Crowdfunding donations will enable the organisation to: 

Improve the base pay of all performing artists at the festival.

Establish artist bursaries that support individuals or groups after the festivals completion.

Develop an online artist database which markets our artists to industry professionals.

Develop a unique marketing campaign which promotes the artists work pre and post festival.

Up Front NW needs your support to enhance the future of Liverpool's creative scene. Please share our campaign with your family, friends, and colleagues, follow us on social media, and reach out if you want to be part of something special.

Many thanks

The Up Front Team