Karl Jay-Lewin on Rise 2016

“There’s a noticeable buzz around this, our strongest festival yet. What excites me most is that it’s equally audible amongst the visiting artists and audience – local and further afield. And there’s a real festival feel to the event, helped by the fact that the programme, like the best curated line-ups or exhibitions, sits together well.

All the work has a distinct individual identity; it’s thoughtful, sometimes provocative, very entertaining and often very funny, and each show also complements the rest of the programme. Context is always important to me and this is where we come up rural trumps – you can take a walk through the woods and gorse in full bloom to an empty Moray Firth beach, experience quality contemporary dance and performance, and then enjoy a late night drink and chat at the bar or around an outdoor fire. It’s got to be a winner.”