The national arts body has made three Margate-based arts organisations and one Margate artist part of their National Portfolio, funding them over the next three years.
The awards are part of their 2023-26 Investment Programme. Three local organisations were already part of the National Portfolio and will see their funding continue.
Turner Contemporary will receive £681,793 each year. The gallery, under new director Clarrie Wallis, will use it to support new initiatives include extending the gallery’s work with young people, and developing an environmental strand that reflects their coastal location.
Theatre company 1927, based on Northdown Road, will receive £220,991 every year. Their new show Mehr Als Alles Auf Der Welt recently premiered at the Akademietheater, in Vienna.
And ‘alternative art school’ Open School East will receive £91,656 each year. They run an Associates Programme for artists, a Young Associates Programme for young people aged 18-21 living in the Thanet area, and The Despacito Art School for 5 to 12 year olds and their families from Cliftonville, Margate.
New to the National Portfolio is artist James Leadbitter of Madlove Ltd, who has received £150,000 per year for his work as ‘The Vacuum Cleaner’, making works with groups including young people, health professionals and vulnerable adults to challenge how mental health is understood and treated.
Thanet’s creative businesses have helped to lead regeneration in Margate. In 2019, the government estimated that the creative industries contributed £115.9 billion to the UK, accounting for 5.9% of the UK economy. There are 2.1m jobs in the creative industries, with another 1.4m roles supported by the sector through its supply chains.
For more information about Arts Council England and its funding, visit www.artscouncil.org.uk
