Arts Development

Arts and the Corporate Plan 2007-11

Thanet District Council’s Corporate Plan 2007-11 recognises the importance of the arts in improving the economic prosperity of the area, with the establishment of a cultural festival, promotion of the future Turner Contemporary gallery and support for the Theatre Royal featuring amongst some of the key objectives for the District.

The Arts Development officer will try to support all areas of creativity in Thanet. This includes all the Arts, Artisans, Makers, and Performers and Creative’s, who live or work in Thanet making this a vibrant and interesting place to live and visit.

Many new Creative Industries are developing due to the imminent Turner Contemporary Gallery, the re-emergence of Ramsgate Harbour as a Café Society and Broadstairs unique charm. Artists and makers that grew up in Thanet, or those that have recently moved to the area, are coming here to be part of an attractive and expanding scene.

Arts in the Community

In Arts Development, we also work with many community groups, individuals and voluntary organisations, trying to bring the arts to everyone. We are currently working on various education and health initiatives with a focus on our youth and our more mature residents.

Our partners

The Arts Development Officer works closely with many other departments of the council, so that opportunities and partnership working regularly arise. We are currently working in partnership with Sports Development to attract adults to take part in summer keep-fit opportunities, Thanet Coast with their 'Door-Step Play' initiatives and Foreshores with Christ Church University Photography Department (Broadstairs) in their residency in the Old Lookout in Broadstairs Harbour, along with a 'Busk in Broadstairs' campaign.

Thanet District Council Arts Development also works closely with:

• Margate Renewal Partnership
• East Kent Local Arts Authority Partnership
• Kent County Council
• Arts Council England
• East Kent Partnership
• and various other Trusts

ensuring that we work to best practice, seek external advice, remain abreast of funding initiatives and are aware of what is happening locally, regionally and nationally.

Heather Sawney

Arts Development Officer

E-mail:

heather.sawney
@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843  577428