PREPARATIONS for Printfest, the UK’s foremost artist-led printmaking festival, are going well, say organisers.

The exhibitors for this year’s event, at Coronation Hall, Ulverston, from Thursday, April 30, to Sunday, May 3, were chosen at the end of January.

“42 artists were selected from 68 applications. 10 are from Cumbria with artists coming from all over the UK, from Somerset to Kinross and all of them will be exhibiting in the Main Hall at the Coro,” said chair of the organising committee Sally Bamber.

In addition there will be four workshops. These are provided by the Carlisle and Penrith-based Cumbria Printmakers group who are offering outreach workshops in different areas of Cumbria and the north west as well as holding their own exhibitions. There are 12 places in each.

Also on display will be work by pupils at secondary schools from Ulverston and the Barrow and Furness district.

The Printfest ‘Fringe’ will be larger than ever this year, with over 15 cafés, shops, galleries and local manufacturers putting on linked events and workshops. You can expect to visit them both Saturday and Sunday.

They will all be highlighted on a map being distributed in the area to promote the festival.

Part of the Fringe is Swarthmoor Hall, showing an exhibition of the complete Printfest Print Collection, created by past Printmakers of the Year from 2010-2019.

Each year a major UK printmaker is chosen by the organisers to be their Printmaker of the Year.

For 2020 internationally renowned Anita Klein has been selected. Anita has undertaken a residency in the South Lakes, giving her the opportunity to enjoy the environment and create a commissioned piece inspired by the local area.

Anita Klein studied at both Chelsea School of Art and Slade School of Art, and has exhibited across the world, including at the ICA and the Royal Academy in London.

Printfest was founded in 2001 had has been held at Coronation Hall every year since, except one break in 2016. Printfest 2021 will mark the 20th anniversary. Visitors can purchase artworks direct from the artists.