Arts & Culture in Canterbury & East Kent

Enhances the Luton Arches area through a variety of resident-led projects aimed at improving local environments and fostering community engagement. They organize tree planting initiatives, community events, and artistic projects like murals, specifically supporting residents of the Newington estate in Ramsgate. Their approach emphasizes collaboration with local charities and businesses to create a vibrant community space. Through these activities, they aim to strengthen community ties and promote environmental stewardship.

Creates purposeful performances that address societal issues through collaboration between community members and professional artists. They focus on providing creative opportunities, particularly for individuals with limited access to the arts, fostering mental and physical well-being through dance, theatre, and opera. Their unique programme, 'Living Seams,' documents the stories and experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in East Kent, promoting dialogue and understanding within the local community. Atelier Armonico aims to create transformative experiences that positively impact individuals and their communities.

Operates an art centre in Folkestone that serves as a dynamic community hub for artistic expression and social engagement. The centre hosts a variety of events, including art installations, expert talks, and social gatherings, encouraging participation from local residents and artists. With a bar and café on-site, it provides a welcoming space for visitors to relax, collaborate, and enjoy cultural experiences. Beton Collective aims to foster creativity and connection within the community, making it a unique venue for diverse activities.

Black Core Kent C.I.C. organizes community events in Ashford, including film screenings, live music performances, and food festivals, to celebrate and promote Black culture. They primarily engage with local residents interested in Black history and cultural awareness, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.

Organizes community markets and creative sessions in Margate, East Kent, providing a platform for local makers, artisans, and craftspeople to showcase their work. Supports independent small businesses by offering selling opportunities and training to enhance their skills in the craft sector.

Redirects unwanted construction materials to support local community and social projects in Thanet, promoting education, skills development, and sustainable practices. Aims to establish a Materials Hub that serves as a resource for meaningful change and employment opportunities.

Offers content creation and co-creation consultancy services, focusing on enhancing communication strategies for the creative and cultural community in Thanet. They provide opportunities for local young people to engage in creative projects and connect with industry professionals. Additionally, they lead community campaigns, such as the Plastic Free Thanet initiative, promoting environmental awareness and collaboration among local businesses. Their approach emphasizes fair pay for staff and freelancers, ensuring a sustainable model for social enterprise.

Delivers accessible and inclusive training courses in Art & Craft, Personal Development, and Health and Fitness across multiple venues in Thanet. The organization aims to reduce social isolation and promote healthier, more active lives among local residents.

Offers a variety of creative classes and workshops aimed at empowering individuals through artistic expression, with a focus on mental health and well-being. Provides a welcoming space for community members, including those who may be spending holidays alone.

Promotes and produces live music events, workshops, and community-led projects to support local musicians and enhance the music scene in Folkestone. Empowers early-career musicians and aspiring industry professionals through initiatives that foster cultural diversity and collaboration.

Offers a variety of innovative art and craft workshops designed to enhance mental well-being and foster emotional resilience among participants. They provide classes in painting, pottery, and other creative activities, aimed particularly at individuals facing mental health challenges. Operating in Margate, their programs encourage community engagement and a sense of belonging, making creativity accessible to all. Unique initiatives include tailored courses that support both personal development and environmental awareness.

Offers a platform for local musicians to share their music and receive constructive feedback, fostering creativity and community engagement. The station primarily supports local artists and the wider community through quality radio broadcasting. Programming includes a variety of shows that cater to different musical tastes, promoting both established and emerging talents. Operating out of Deal, they aim to connect listeners with the local music scene and provide an inclusive space for artistic expression.

Offers workshops, networking events, and writing groups to support both aspiring and established writers in enhancing their skills and building community connections. The guild provides a platform for members to share their work and receive guidance throughout their writing journey.

Folkestone Live CIC organizes an annual fringe festival in Folkestone, featuring a diverse lineup of 29 theatre and comedy performances over a weekend. The festival aims to enrich the local cultural scene and provide affordable live entertainment for residents and visitors in the Folkestone and Hythe District.

Supports and promotes the local music community in Folkestone by organizing events and providing a comprehensive gig guide. They engage musicians, music lovers, and the wider community to foster a vibrant cultural scene. Their initiatives include hosting a month-long music festival featuring over 170 events and 150 artists, as well as facilitating community singing groups. This approach enhances Folkestone's reputation as 'The World's First Music Town' and encourages participation from all music enthusiasts.

Organizes vibrant community events such as the Ramsgate Carnival and Winter Festival, celebrating local culture and the arts. They provide opportunities for participation and creativity, engaging residents of all ages in Ramsgate. Their initiatives foster inclusivity and community spirit, bringing people together through joyful celebrations and artistic expression. The organization encourages artists to engage with the community and aims to attract new audiences to the art form of Carnival and Outdoor Arts.

Creates unique outdoor arts experiences through their 'Canopy' events, which celebrate the intersection of nature and creativity. They engage and uplift local communities by providing enriching experiences for individuals seeking connection and artistic expression in serene environments. Their focus is on environmentally and socially conscious projects, primarily benefiting local artists and community members. Operating mainly by the seaside and occasionally in London, they foster artistic collaboration and community engagement through innovative programming.

GRASS Cliftonville CIC is a social enterprise based in Cliftonville, Margate, that organizes community events and activities, such as dance classes and cultural gatherings, to enhance community engagement and well-being. They primarily serve local residents and visitors, focusing on promoting social inclusion and cultural enrichment through accessible programming.

Produces a variety of theatrical works, including story trails, plays, comedy shows, and storytelling events. They engage the local community in Folkestone and surrounding areas by providing performances that support local artists and foster creativity. The organization also hosts the annual Faversham Fringe festival, which showcases diverse talents and encourages participation from the community. Their unique approach includes offering a 'Pay What You Can' model for events, making live comedy accessible to a wider audience.

Organizes an annual festival that showcases world-class jazz and swing performances, enriching the local community through access to high-quality music experiences.

Offers versatile studio and event spaces for artists and community members, facilitating residency programs, workshops, and collaborative events. They aim to support local talent and foster creativity through various initiatives and exhibitions.

Provides engaging workshops and personalized one-on-one support for young vulnerable adults aged 12-25, focusing on creative arts, music, and video production to build confidence and life skills. The CIC collaborates with schools and referral units to offer creative learning opportunities aimed at reducing crime rates in the local area. Participants can earn a Bronze Arts Award through their involvement in various creative tasks and projects. Their unique approach includes hands-on activities that foster social skills and teamwork, creating safe spaces for real conversations and lasting change.

Offers collaborative courses in contemporary and digital arts, including music, art, writing, film, dance, and acting, aimed at promoting wellbeing and self-expression. The programmes are designed for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, particularly those who have faced barriers to learning. They provide a safe and inclusive environment where participants can channel their creativity, gain accredited qualifications, and work on real projects. The courses are available in various formats, including remote, in-person, and hybrid, to accommodate different needs.

Promotes local heritage appreciation in Folkestone and the surrounding areas through educational programs such as workshops and masterclasses focused on archaeology. They engage individuals of all ages, fostering a deeper understanding of Kent's rich history, particularly its Anglo-Saxon heritage. The CIC aims to involve the community in heritage activities, making history accessible and engaging for everyone. Their initiatives often include hands-on experiences that connect participants with the local culture and history.

Offers community-focused pottery workshops and artistic activities that foster creativity and connection through hands-on experiences in clay. Engages individuals of all ages with unique ceramic art projects that celebrate local culture and community involvement.

Kent Junior School of Fashion and Arts CIC offers creative education and hands-on workshops focused on fashion and the arts for children and young people in the Canterbury area. Their programs are designed to inspire local youth, helping them develop artistic skills and build confidence in self-expression.

Produces broadcast television programming with a focus on engaging content that highlights local communities and cultural initiatives across the UK. They offer hands-on training opportunities for media students and individuals, working closely with universities and colleges to tailor courses that provide real-world experience in filming and post-production. Beneficiaries include aspiring media professionals who gain valuable television broadcast credits through participation in genuine productions. Their unique approach combines creativity with a commitment to supporting new talent in the industry.

Offers workshops and community events focused on alternative photography techniques, fostering creativity and sustainable practices in visual arts. The collective supports local artists and photography enthusiasts in Ramsgate through various educational initiatives.

Preserves and shares over 200 historical films and videos that document community stories and social issues, particularly focusing on social change from 1969 to 1994. The archive provides free access to audiovisual resources for local communities, artists, and researchers, promoting cultural heritage and social empowerment. They support organizations and individuals in organizing screening events to raise awareness and engage with contemporary issues. The materials are available for public use and aim to combat exclusion and promote inclusivity.

Delivers innovative live performances and community engagement initiatives in Thanet, focusing on making arts accessible to all. They offer workshops and a youth theatre program for ages 7-18, encouraging participation in the arts among local youth. The organization also supports local artists through their PACT - Performing Arts Collective Thanet, fostering the development of new work. Their mission is to create shared cultural experiences that promote joy, friendship, and community connection.

Luminescent CIC is dedicated to creating creative opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly focusing on refugees and asylum seekers in the Hythe area. Through collaborative projects with local partners, they provide support and resources to empower individuals and foster social inclusion.

Broadcasts new content every weekend, providing a platform for local voices, music, and community engagement. The station celebrates the diverse stories and talents of Margate residents, fostering connections within the community. Margate Radio also features unique programming like 'Margate Voices,' which highlights the unsung heroes of the town through heartfelt interviews. As a volunteer-run initiative, it aims to connect and uplift the community through creativity and storytelling in the arts.

Offers inclusive workshops and performance events specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals and the LGBT+ community. Their activities include monthly performance nights and various creative workshops, ensuring at least 50% of performers are neurodivergent. They focus on creating safe and accepting environments, fostering neurodivergent creativity, community, and culture. Based in Canterbury, they aim to make all events accessible and actively seek participant feedback to improve their offerings.

Offers person-centred music activities designed to enhance the wellbeing of individuals in care settings, particularly those experiencing social isolation or living with dementia. Their programs creatively engage residents, families, and caregivers through music interventions that promote inclusion and improve quality of life. Operating primarily in Kent, they have collaborated with various organizations, including Arts Council England and the NHS, to deliver impactful music initiatives. Unique programs like 'Music Helps' focus on using music as a therapeutic tool for those in need.

Organizes a virtual environmental art and music festival that showcases innovative audio-visual works focused on ecological themes. The festival engages artists and audiences globally, promoting environmental awareness and community involvement through immersive experiences. It aims to reconnect individuals with nature and highlight the importance of preserving natural soundscapes. The organization supports artists from various continents and hosts events that celebrate creativity inspired by the natural world.

Offers a variety of workshops and events focused on heritage arts, earth skills, and wellbeing, catering to individuals of all ages in the Kent community. The centre promotes intergenerational learning through accessible programs that include traditional crafts and creative activities. Additionally, they provide versatile space hire options for community projects and events, fostering collaboration and engagement. Oast Studios Kent CIC emphasizes a circular economy by supporting local initiatives and nurturing a sense of community.

Offers creative wellbeing workshops designed to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being through artistic expression. They provide tailored sessions for mothers, young children, and their caregivers, fostering a nurturing environment for self-discovery and connection. Operating in Folkestone, Kent, they collaborate with local organizations to reach a broader community. Their unique approach combines art psychotherapy, fine art, teaching, and dance, allowing participants to explore their creativity and personal growth.

Creates contemporary theatre circus shows that engage local communities and address universal themes related to the human experience. They collaborate with professional artists and youth groups, offering creative workshops that support neurodiverse individuals and promote inclusivity. Based in Ramsgate, they produce performances that utilize circus skills and techniques to tell stories, while also creating installations that reflect community issues. Their upcoming book, 'This Is What The Menopause Looks Like,' aims to give voice to individuals experiencing menopause, celebrating their stories and experiences.

Offers workshops, talks, and events focused on healing, education, and cultural engagement specifically for Black, Brown, and Diaspora communities. The organization aims to support marginalized groups in overcoming systemic injustices while fostering transformation through art, culture, and anti-racist practices. Operating in Margate, Kent, they provide a vital hub for community connection and creativity, advocating for the needs and voices of those they serve. Their unique approach emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and community solidarity in addressing social issues.

Organizes and promotes live theatre performances and cultural events at the Theatre Royal Margate, providing a platform for local theatrical companies and a youth theatre scheme. Their initiatives primarily benefit residents of Birchington and the surrounding areas, enhancing community engagement and access to diverse cultural experiences. They aim to support the local creative sector and keep the historic Theatre Royal open to the public, offering opportunities for both local talent and nationally touring shows. The organization also encourages community involvement through initiatives like a lottery to fund their activities.