Our Story

“The Arts are essential to humanity which is something that MCS recognises in every aspect and is why they founded this festival. Since 2009 Oxford Festival of the Arts has grown in scope, duration and artistic ambition. It is my great privilege to programme this wonderful celebration of the arts.”
Dr Michelle Castelletti, Festival Director

Oxford Festival of the Arts is a fortnight of events across the city, which takes place each summer from the third week of June onwards.
We attract nationally and internationally renowned performers and artists, as well as exciting newcomers and wonderful home-grown talent. Through our many cultural partnerships, we are able to make use of the buildings, open spaces, and performance venues that our beautiful city of Oxford has to offer.
Our mission is to offer a broad programme of performances, events, and experiences embracing music; classical, contemporary and new, theatre, visual art, film, dance, comedy, and literature.
We celebrate Oxford’s diverse communities and offer something for everyone, whatever their age, background or artistic experience.
The two weeks of the Festival are the pinnacle of our activities, our partnership activities run throughout the year involving hundreds of children from local primary schools and community groups. Much of their work is showcased during the Festival.
The Oxford Festival of the Arts was founded by Magdalen College School and the first festival took place in 2009. The school remains our lead sponsor and greatest supporter.
Keep up to date by subscribing to our festival newsletter.
To get in touch with us you can either write to:
Oxford Festival of the Arts
c/o Magdalen College School
Cowley Place
Oxford
OX4 1DZ
Call 01865 242191
Or email info@artsfestivaloxford.org