The Art Car Boot review

Malaika Kigongo enjoys a Sunday browse among the makers on the quayside at the annual Art Car Boot.

The Art Car Boot brought creativity to the Piazza Terracina on Exeter Quayside, transforming the sunny waterfront into a lively pop-up marketplace of local talent. 

What is usually a rather quiet stretch of the quay became a hub of artistry for the afternoon, with a steady commotion of visitors drifting between stalls and stopping to chat with makers. 

Now in its seventh year, the event continues to champion Exeter’s creative scene by bringing together both professional and emerging artists. Each stallholder arrived with their own style and approach, transforming the square into a space to sell their creations.

As everything was sold directly from car boots and tables, the event was a chance to meet makers face-to-face and hear the stories behind their work. Stalls were arranged in a wide circle, creating an area for visitors to wander from one seller to the next.

The range of work on display was broad. Some stalls sold small, affordable trinkets like badges, earrings, shell decorations, while others showcased larger pieces like hand-painted prints and canvases. Small needle-felts shaped like fruits, bees, even eyeballs were laid out on a tabletop. The mix meant visitors could browse the art at a variety of price points, from impulse buys to investment pieces. 

The atmosphere was relaxed as people wandered between the stalls, picking up objects and asking questions. The quayside setting added to the experience, and the sun shone all afternoon for the event. 

Whether someone wanted a small gift or a more substantial piece of artwork, the range of stallholders meant they were likely to find something that suited their taste and budget. 

What stood out to me most was how the event was clearly rooted in Exeter’s creative community. The Art Car Boot showcased the city’s independent makers in a way that was easy to engage with.