Dartford Borough Council and Arts Council England are to kickstart a new phase of arts and creativity in the town, building on the huge success of the original ‘Dartford Creative’ project.
Over the next 12 months, Dartford residents will have the opportunity to connect with artists through a series of workshops, and local artists will creating work for public display in and around the town. A series of events will launch each phase and offer opportunities for residents and local audiences to contribute to the conversations about local cultural priorities.
Alongside this, Dartford-based artists will have the opportunity to receive bespoke training and support to help with their career direction, developing their skills, business acumen and confidence – and helping them create more art in Dartford in the longer term.
Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, said, “The Dartford Creative project has been a big success with people of all ages getting involved in the initiative alongside some great local artists. Thanks to funding from Dartford Borough Council and Arts Council England we can build upon that success and continue the project in the year ahead.”
Individual artists, cultural organisations and Dartford communities will all play an important role in this next stage of the Dartford Creative programme. Facilitated by Icon Theatre Company, this ambitious project will explore ways in which local people can get involved in arts and cultural activity which will brighten up Dartford and give a platform to some really great work.
Chris Glover, Director of the Orchard Theatre says, “This is further great news for Dartford! We are certainly becoming recognised as an artistic town with even more opportunities for residents to get creative in and around the town centre.”
The next 12 months promises to be jam packed with creative opportunities, to find out more about Dartford Creative and to get involved, email michelle@icontheatre.org.uk or phone 01634 813179/07903 016937 You can also follow us on twitter @DartfordCreates or at www.facebook.com/dartfordcreative