Our little team at ELCAF has been working hard over the last few weeks to try and find solutions to replace the physical festival that we will miss so much this year. This has not been an easy task, and we’ve been grateful to receive a lot of constructive feedback from our artists, exhibitors and partners over the past few weeks.
In light of uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, we have made the sad and difficult decision to cancel our plans for ELCAF 2020. Weeks of reviewing and revising our ideas and budgets have revealed that some of our plans couldn’t be delivered in the way that we wanted to at this time. There are also a number of changes that we as a team need to navigate in order to work out what is best for the festival moving forwards – and we need some time to step back and do this.
ELCAF, and the team behind it, has always endeavoured to grow the festival as a community platform which represents, supports, nurtures and celebrates the artists and small press publishers that are involved. Despite the obstacles we face, we will continue supporting this community in whatever capacity we can. We also hope to strike up meaningful conversations and reflections through a small but free programme of activity.
Throughout our time working on ELCAF, we have developed strong friendships with the staff at Nobrow and value that greatly. Nobrow is also a small team, made up of some brilliant people, who have been nothing but supportive of the festival throughout these years.
We have tried to answer a few questions below, in order to provide more information and transparency about our decisions for 2020. You can also read our FAQ section for further clarity about our festival and the way in which we operate.
Finally, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else who has supported us over the years, and in particular, most recently.
Ruth, Vanessa and Marianna (The ELCAF Team) x
ELCAF 2020 FAQs
How has the pandemic affected ELCAF?
The loss of ticket sales and table fees has reduced a substantial revenue stream which we rely on to produce and run the festival. As a result we have been forced to cancel ELCAF for 2020. The team have struggled to find ways in which the festival can continue online whilst still being tenable.
What does this mean for exhibitors and artists?
We are writing directly to our exhibitors, partners and artists, and will continue to support the community where possible through our social media channels. We hope to strike up meaningful conversations and reflections through a small but free programme of activity this year.
Discussions are also underway in regards to a smaller, physical outcome towards the end of the year that will celebrate the hard work that has gone into the ELCAF x WeTransfer 2019 Award.
What about ELCAF’s funding?
We are lucky enough to receive Arts Council England funding. We had secured ACE funding for two years (2020-2021) and are currently in conversation with the Arts Council about funds lost (work done to date), reallocation of funds (towards next year, or smaller events) and protocol for event cancellations.
What does it mean for ELCAF?
Sadly this means we cannot deliver a physical festival or a full digital programme this year. However we hope to continue being part of the community, making the contributions that we can, and evolving our ideas as we go – with your support. Most importantly, we hope to come back stronger for the 10 year anniversary of ELCAF in 2021, which we would love to be able to celebrate with you!
