Deptford X Festival 2025
11 – 27 July 2025
We’re thrilled to announce that this July, Deptford X, London’s longest-running visual arts festival, will take on a bold new format!
For the first time ever, we’re going biennial, expanding the festival to 18 days of incredible art, exhibitions, events, and a participatory street parade. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the limitless creativity that Deptford has to offer, and we want YOU to be a part of it.
Since its inception in 1998, Deptford X has been a platform for artists who have strong links with the area. We’ve welcomed thousands of visitors each festival and featured celebrated artists like Chila Kumari Singh Burman, Evan Ifekoya, Hew Locke and Bob and Roberta Smith.
This year, we’re once again putting local talent front and centre, and placing equity, accessibility, and care at the heart of everything we do. Now’s your chance to join us. We’re excited to launch two open calls for artists to be part of this year’s festival.
Deptford X Fringe Artist
Join the vibrant and energetic Deptford X Fringe! Local artists are invited to showcase their work in venues across Deptford. This is an incredible opportunity to share your art with a broad audience and be part of one of London’s most established visual arts festivals. Apply by 4 May (midnight)
Struggling to get started? Take a look at our top tips
Deptford X Supported Artist Commission
In response to underrepresentation in the arts, Supported commissions are targeted at early-career Black and People of Colour artists from the London Borough of Lewisham, to create work for the festival. Selected artists will receive a commission fee, production budget, and curatorial support. Additionally, all applicants will benefit from free artist development workshops. Apply by 13 April (midnight)
DX Meet-Ups
Want more details? We’ve got you covered! Join us for our Festival Launch Night Q&A session. We’ll walk you through the open calls and how you can get involved. Plus, you’ll be able to connect with other members of the Deptford X community. The first one is on Tuesday, 25 March at Lewisham Arthouse, from 18:00 – 20:00. Whether you’re a Fringe artist, a volunteer, or just curious about the festival, we’d love to chat and share our excitement with you.
Volunteer with us!
During the festival, there are so many different roles to get stuck into, from giving tours and providing directions, to handing out leaflets and photo documenting the festival. We’re looking for people who can be a brilliant advocate for the festival – a friendly face who’s willing to share their passion for visual arts with the public.