Arts & Culture in Medway & North Kent

Promotes body positivity and self-acceptance among women and young girls in England through art and illustration. Offers workshops, body art projects, and community events designed to empower participants to embrace their individuality and enhance their confidence.

Offers inclusive arts experiences in Medway, focusing on art, music, drama, and street performances specifically designed for deaf children and adults. Their flagship event, the BUP! Festival, is a sign language-inclusive arts festival that engages the Deaf community and their families, providing creative opportunities for children aged 5 to 17. The festival features a variety of workshops, activities, and events aimed at fostering creativity and inclusivity. BUP ARTS CIC is committed to creating a welcoming environment for all participants, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and engage with the arts.

Enhances the cultural landscape of Medway by fostering collaboration among artists, cultural organizations, and residents through community meet-ups and events. Addresses local place-based challenges with creative solutions, benefiting the wider Medway community.

Offers a range of music education services, including group sessions, individual lessons, and online music technology courses for children and young adults aged 7 to 18. Located in Rochester, they provide opportunities for students to learn instruments, sing, and develop music production skills. The CIC collaborates with local schools and the Medway Music Association to enhance musical engagement in the community, fostering creativity and skill development through various programs and events.

Operates an internet radio station that broadcasts 24/7, offering a diverse range of radio programs and podcasts to engage and entertain the Faversham community. Their services amplify local voices and music, fostering connections among residents and enhancing community spirit.

Works to perpetuate the legacy of Isaac Newell, the father of Argentinian football, through the planned erection of a statue in his Medway birthplace and broader heritage and education initiatives.

Offers high-energy, interactive workshops that use recycled materials to teach rhythm, teamwork, and creativity to children. The program integrates multiple subjects while promoting environmental awareness and confidence building.

Offers a collaborative workspace that promotes learning, skill development, and the responsible use of technology through hands-on workshops and resources in STEAM fields. Empowers individuals of all ages to bring their ideas to life while fostering community engagement and entrepreneurship.

Offers a diverse range of literary events, workshops, and activities designed to engage the local community in Maidstone, Kent. The festival promotes literacy and a love of reading among residents of all ages, providing opportunities for participation and learning. Through its events, it aims to foster connections between authors, readers, and aspiring writers, making literature accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The festival also supports local talent and encourages community involvement through various fundraising initiatives.

Offers a fully equipped community makerspace that provides access to tools and resources for creative projects. Engages local residents through workshops, training, and mentorship to foster skill development and collaboration.

Offers a not-for-profit printmaking studio with professional facilities for artists, including access to presses and printmaking equipment for paper and textiles. They provide a diverse range of short courses covering various printmaking techniques such as Drypoint, Screen Printing, and Monoprinting, catering to both emerging and established artists. Located in Rochester, Kent, they actively engage with the local arts community through collaborative projects, events, and exhibitions, supporting schools and home education groups as well. Their unique approach fosters a friendly environment for creativity and collaboration among printmakers.

Organizes community arts events and festivals in Chatham, enabling local artists to showcase their work and connect with the public. The Medway Open Studios and Arts Festival features a free art trail, allowing visitors to explore various studios and engage with over 200 artists across multiple disciplines, including painting, printmaking, and ceramics. They foster creativity and cultural exchange, welcoming participants to take part in art activities, view exhibitions, and purchase local art. This initiative supports both artists and the wider community, enhancing the cultural landscape of the Medway area.

Offers performing arts workshops and theatrical events with a strong emphasis on improvisation, aimed at engaging and inspiring individuals of all ages in the Medway towns. Their programs are designed to foster creativity and build confidence within the community through interactive and inclusive artistic experiences. They cater to a diverse audience, including children, young people, and adults, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the arts. Unique approaches include hands-on workshops that encourage spontaneous creativity and collaboration among participants.

Creates and sells a variety of locally inspired products to celebrate the Medway area, fostering community pride and connection among residents. Their offerings include badges, bags, books, and stickers that reflect local culture and heritage.

Facilitates fun, accessible, and innovative artistic workshops aimed at fostering creativity and confidence among participants. The organization specifically supports individuals with disabilities, including those with sight loss, by providing inclusive activities and diverse communication methods. Operating in Chatham, they collaborate with schools and community groups to raise awareness and mentor future advocates. Their unique approach encourages artistic expression in a welcoming environment, breaking down barriers and reducing social isolation.

Collects and preserves personal stories and memories from individuals connected to the Medway Towns, focusing on historical sites such as the Short Brothers aircraft factory. They engage local communities, including families and supporters, to document and celebrate diverse narratives that highlight the region's industrial and cultural heritage. By recording and sharing these lived experiences, they aim to create a more inclusive understanding of the past, ensuring that voices often overlooked in traditional historical records are heard and valued.

Offers nature-based sessions and forest school activities designed for children aged 0-14 and their families. Their programs focus on fostering a love for the outdoors, promoting environmental awareness, and supporting the development of social and emotional skills through hands-on experiences such as campfires, den-building, and outdoor learning. Located in Admiral Woods, Sittingbourne, they serve the surrounding areas of Maidstone and Medway. The unique approach emphasizes connecting the community to nature to enhance wellbeing and resilience.

Hosts music and arts events that foster community engagement and support local artists through innovative projects and collaborations. They connect performers and audiences, encouraging cultural exchange and enhancing local cultural expression.

Preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of local communities in Gillingham through exhibitions, educational initiatives, and community projects. Engages and empowers residents from underrepresented backgrounds by celebrating and sharing their unique stories and traditions.

Offers engaging workshops that teach song signing techniques, specifically designed for individuals facing communication challenges, including those with hearing impairments and mental health conditions. The academy fosters an inclusive environment where participants can enhance their expressive abilities through music and movement. Operating primarily in Kent, they tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each participant, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable learning experience. Their sessions include both online and in-person options, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Offers action-packed holiday camps that combine sports, arts, and adventure for children aged 5-11, focusing on building confidence and social skills. The camps are inclusive and cater to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Provides high-quality immersive theatre experiences and utilizes Extended Reality (XR) technology to tell untold stories, focusing on empowering the global majority and underrepresented voices. They offer a variety of workshops and courses in performing and visual arts, including virtual production, acting, and physical theatre workshops. Their programs aim to nurture creativity and cultural engagement within the local community of Chatham and beyond. By giving a voice to those with unheard stories, they strive to break down barriers and spark change through immersive experiences.

Provides a platform for grassroots Black British visual artists and poets to share experiences, network, upskill, and exhibit their work. They focus on developing a thriving Black British art scene within Medway, catering to both artists and the local community. Their initiatives include workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs that promote Black history and culture. The organization aims to empower Black creativity and foster an inclusive environment for diverse artistic expressions.

Offers a therapeutic, nature-based inclusion environment for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and communication differences. Through tailored activities and small-group sessions, children are supported to grow, connect, and thrive.

Offers community engagement and empowerment programs to support individuals affected by abuse and trauma, utilizing music as a tool for healing. The initiative hosts an annual free outdoor concert for survivors, fostering unity and restoration through creative outreach.

The Maidstone Art Centre C.I.C. offers daily art and craft sessions tailored for adults, young people with autism, and older individuals, promoting creativity and well-being through inclusive artistic activities. Located in Maidstone, this not-for-profit hub serves as a community resource, fostering a supportive environment for artistic expression and personal development.

Offers award-winning inclusive music education and performance opportunities specifically designed for individuals with learning disabilities and additional needs. They operate in Gillingham, Wigmore, Maidstone, and Tonbridge, providing tailored sessions that foster social inclusion, confidence, and personal growth through music. The organization creates a supportive community where participants can thrive and showcase their talents through unique musical collaborations and performances. Their approach includes global outreach and partnerships with notable figures in the music industry, enhancing the experience for their beneficiaries.

Offers a variety of sewing workshops and classes aimed at fostering creativity and skill development among adults, teens, and children. They provide a welcoming environment for participants of all skill levels, focusing on community engagement and accessibility. Workshops are held in their Strood studio and in local schools and community settings across Kent. Their unique approach emphasizes mental well-being and sustainability through hands-on textile crafts, encouraging personal expression and community connection.

Offers sailing charters and heritage experiences aboard historic vessels along the Kent coast, engaging local communities with the region's maritime heritage. They provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn about traditional crafts and enjoy sailing experiences.

We Can Sing C.I.C. brings the local community together through inclusive and empowering singing sessions, providing a fun and safe environment for individuals of all ages to express themselves. The organization primarily helps residents of Chatham and the surrounding areas, fostering social connections and personal development through music.

Offers a unique creative materials store that provides a diverse range of surplus art and craft supplies for local artists, crafters, and community groups in Rochester. By promoting the reuse of clean, non-hazardous waste materials, they support affordable resources for creative projects while fostering sustainable practices and reducing waste. The Scrapstore encourages community engagement through volunteering opportunities and educational activities, making it accessible for all ages and skill levels. They also facilitate a welcoming environment for members to explore their creativity and participate in various craft-related events.

AE Creative Hub CIC is an art and technology hub in Chatham that produces innovative productions and offers creative and new technology workshops. They primarily support professionals and creatives looking to enhance their skills in areas such as filmmaking and physical theatre.

Bishnupriya Manipuri Organisation UK CIC is dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Bishnupriya Manipuri community in the UK through various educational and artistic initiatives. The organization primarily supports individuals from the Bishnupriya Manipuri diaspora, fostering community engagement and cultural exchange.

Creative Sense Community Interest Company offers inclusive art workshops and drop-in sessions for individuals of all ages and abilities in Faversham, focusing on enhancing creativity and wellbeing. They provide specific support for parent caregivers and children under 3, as well as opportunities for older children and adults to learn and refresh their art skills.

Creepy Claws Centre CIC provides engaging recreational activities and after-school programs for children in the Sittingbourne area, focusing on fostering creativity and social interaction. The centre aims to support local families by offering a safe and fun environment for children to explore and develop their interests.

D-LIVE! CIC is dedicated to creating inclusive arts experiences for deaf children aged 5-11 and their families in Medway and Kent. They curate free-access festivals and events that celebrate deaf culture and creativity, in collaboration with other leading deaf-led arts organizations.

Domaine Music Projects CIC is dedicated to promoting music education and creative opportunities for individuals in the West Malling community, focusing on enhancing skills and fostering artistic expression. The organization primarily supports local musicians, aspiring artists, and youth, providing workshops, performances, and collaborative projects to enrich the cultural landscape.

Fat Lady Opera CIC organizes musical walking events called Talk.Sing, which explore unexpected spaces in Medway, fostering community engagement through the arts. They primarily benefit local residents and participants interested in opera and creative expression.

Organizes an annual independent literary festival in Faversham, featuring over 80 events across 10 days, including author talks, readings, and workshops. The festival supports local authors and engages the community, providing opportunities for aspiring writers, readers, and literature enthusiasts. It operates in various venues around Faversham, fostering a love for literature and encouraging community participation. Unique programming includes discussions with renowned authors and interactive events that promote literary culture.

Offers engaging folk dance experiences through performances, workshops, and community events. They focus on bringing people together through traditional and contemporary dance forms, including ceilidh and street dance, catering to families and individuals across the UK. Their unique approach emphasizes joy and inclusivity, making dance accessible and fun for everyone. They actively participate in festivals and collaborate with various artists to enrich their community offerings.