Beach of Dreams, presented by Kinetika, is an open invitation to celebrate and reimagine the UK’s coastlines. Across Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, this outdoor and digital creative programme connects communities to explore the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and pressing future of our coastal landscapes. It’s a space to reflect on what our coastlines mean to us today – and what they could become tomorrow.
Everyone can be part of the journey. Join creative walks, experience new art commissions across eight regions, attend local events, or take action by sharing a Climate Commitment. Have your own idea? Whether you’re an individual, group, or organisation, you’re encouraged to create your own event and become part of the Beach of Dreams UK-wide programme of activity.
Together, we’re weaving a national story of our coastlines – one that celebrates their beauty, highlights the challenges they face, and inspires collective action for a brighter future.
Beach of Dreams invites you to step outside, walk together, and connect with the beauty, stories, and challenges of the UK’s coastlines. It’s a chance to reflect on our relationship with these extraordinary landscapes, discover fresh perspectives, and imagine new possibilities for the future.
Curated by Artistic Director Ali Pretty, Beach of Dreams brings together commissioned artists, regional partners, and local communities to collaborate and create. By combining artistic creativity with lived experience, these partnerships transform pressing climate challenges into thoughtful and inspiring works that reflect the people and places they represent.
From soundscapes and dance to sculpture and textiles, the programme showcases a vibrant mix of artistic disciplines, each capturing the essence of the UK’s coastlines in fresh and inspiring ways. At its centre is Kinetika’s evolving national artwork, The Beach of Dreams Silks: an installation of hundreds of naturally dyed silk pennants. Each pennant tells a personal story, symbolising a dream tied to a specific part of the coastline. Together, they weave a powerful tapestry of hope and creativity – a tribute to our coastal heritage and a collective vision for a brighter, sustainable future.
Now’s your chance to join the inspiring journey of Beach of Dreams. Alongside our Artist Commissions, we welcome everyone to get involved. Host your own event, share it with us, and see it featured on our interactive map – inviting others to explore and participate.
Take it a step further by making a Climate Commitment. Whether it’s a personal pledge or a community initiative, your actions will contribute to a growing wave of positive change for our coastlines. Let’s celebrate, reflect, and act – together.
Beach of Dreams began in July 2021 with a 500-mile walk from Lowestoft to Tilbury, led by Artistic Director Ali Pretty and Kinetika. The journey invited participants to reflect on their connection to the coastline and imagine its future. Participants created 500 hand-painted silk pennants, each telling a story of the present and future, which were displayed along the walk and shared online.
In 2023, Kinetika, in collaboration with Rosa Productions and Morecambe Bay Partnership, expanded the project to Morecambe Bay, adding 120 new pennants and digital stories. The programme has since grown nationwide, uniting communities and inspiring hope for a sustainable future.
Beach of Dreams is presented by Kinetika, a charity and a National Portfolio organisation of Arts Council England. Founded in 1997 by Ali Pretty, Kinetika unites communities through exceptional silk-based designs and immersive public spectacles that inspire social action and transform local environments. Guided by a vision to pioneer community-driven art and design, we aspire to ignite enduring positive change, celebrate cultural diversity, and cultivate resilient, sustainable communities worldwide.
Beach of Dreams is made possible with the support of Arts Council England and Historic England.
2Ms
Abergele Town Council
Anstruther Improvements Association
Awen Wales
Cambo Heritage Trust
Chelmsford 100 (Chelmsford CVS)
CLP Nature Action Group
Conwy County Borough Council, Llandudno
East Tilbury Primary
Findhorn Bay Arts, Moray
GB Carnival CIC
Gallery 465, Cellardyke Trust
Gateway Learning Community
Largo Communities Together, Fife
La Cuna
LDWA London
Menter Iaith Conwy/Criw Creu
Nature’s Rainbow
Our Big Picture
Ports Fest
Quakers - Religious Society of Friends – Hants & Islands, Dorset & South Wiltshire & Bournemouth Coastal Area Meetings
SWECET
The Creative Seed CIC, Sunderland
The Culture House
The New Carnival Company
Thurrock Young Carers
Thurrock Youth Cabinet
U-Turnships
What if We Create
With thanks to Rosa Productions for their support in the development of Beach of Dreams 2021 – 2024.
Sign up for updates about the Beach of Dreams programme and to be inspired.