Running the Tide, film still by Jim Allchin

Art at the Centre is a pioneering scheme funded by Swale Borough Council, Arts Council South East and Kent County Council. It seeks to embed creativity within regeneration practice across the region, engaging artists to develop projects and community events in the heart of key projects across the Borough. Art at the Centre aims to contribute to regeneration teams that cut across Council departments, as well as the public, private and voluntary sectors, with a belief that sustainable regeneration needs to invest in people as much as places.

The thinking behind the art at the centre scheme is discussed in this piece of writing by lead artist Nicole Mollett.

Can great art and community engagement co-exist?

 

Big Fish at the Rushenden Launch 2010

Art at the Centre Aims

 

Aim 1:

To develop an exemplary model of how art can become an integral part of the regeneration process.

 

Aim 2:

To stimulate involvement and engagement of local communities in the regeneration process

 

Aim 3:

To establish a greater reputation for quality art (both public art and arts activities)

 

Aim 4:

To facilitate and enhance artists’ collective presence as a creative industry

 

Aim 5:

To recognise and capture the existing qualities and identity of the area

 

Aim 6:

To forge partnerships and create networks