DAVID SHRIGLEY has said that his guest director role at Brighton Festival is extra special because he lives in the city.

Speaking at the launch of the 52nd edition of the annual arts event, Mr Shrigley said he was “incredibly flattered” to be asked to take up the position.

The artist follows on from musician Kate Tempest, last year’s director.

Mr Shrigley lived in Glasgow for 30 years before relocating to Brighton three years ago and he emphasised his love for his adopted hometown at the launch event, held at The Dome.

“The reason I’m incredibly excited about this is that I live in Brighton,” he said. “I’m not one of these people who comes down on the train from London.

“My studio is here and I’m keen to build a career here and make that connection with Brighton. A project like this is a great opportunity to meet people and make more work.

“I was incredibly flattered to be asked and to be here now. I’m going to try and see everything.”

The artist will host five of his own events at the Festival including Problem In Brighton, an alternative pantomime, and Life Model II, in which visitors are invited to draw a lifelike sculpture.

Mr Shrigley, a devout fan of Whitehawk FC, added that Brighton was the ideal city for such a festival because of its tolerant and accepting nature.

He said: “Part of Brighton’s mantra is inclusivity and that culture is for everyone.

"It’s like Whitehawk FC, whose mantra is football is for everyone. The festival is not an elitist thing – it’s something that everyone can participate in.”

The artist cited the Pay It Forward scheme, in which festivalgoers can put £5 towards a ticket for someone who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Festival, said that Mr Shrigley would appeal to younger audiences in particular.

He said the 50th edition of the event, directed by artist Laurie Anderson, marked a turning point.

“Since then I’ve really felt like the festival could afford to look at a younger generation,” he said.

“Kate [Tempest] allowed us to explore that last year and it feels like David has that appeal too.

“They share an audience in generational terms and they also share a sense of political engagement.”

Milestone for the boss

CHIEF executive Andrew Comben will celebrate his 10th anniversary as Brighton Festival chief executive this year.

He said he couldn’t imagine a time when he stepped aside from the role.

“This is my 10th festival and David is the 10th guest director we’ve had in that time,” he said. “The festival reinvents itself all the time.

“Even though there are elements you can build on and improve, it never feels like you’re doing the same thing over and over again.

“You’re almost never allowed to repeat yourself.”

The Festival has built a reputation for staging unusual shows.

Among last year’s hits were For The Birds, an installation set in Hollingbury Woods and circus production Depart at Woodvale Cemetery.

This year’s unorthodox shows include The Arms Of Sleep, an overnight event where guests lie in beds and experience a range of sounds and visuals.

“That’s become something we’re known for and that artists look out for.

“There is a virtuous circle – once you’ve established a reputation artists want to be part of it.

“We’re fortunate that we get approached about a lot of projects – it’s just a shame we can’t afford to do all of them.”

Mr Comben said he went to see almost every show at last year’s festival and would strive to get to all 140 of this year’s programme.

Brighton Festival takes play from May 5 to 27.