Reviving local creativity in Kent

Reviving local creativity in Kent

Creative Lives’ microgrant scheme in Kent reached across coastal districts.

Stories of creativity from local microgrants scheme

Discussion with community groups and spaces showed many were concerned about returning post-lockdown, with lower engagement levels and income due to loss of communication, ongoing safety concerns and a slow return to face-toface activities alongside other commitments.

Many felt a small boost of money to help them hire space, buy materials, and enable safe delivery would make a big difference.

The aim

The projects

Jazz Omnibus

Chartham

Craft Pop In

Postling

Crafty Women Charity Knits

Maidstone

Microgrants launched in June 2021, shortly after the third Covid lockdown was lifted, supporting groups to: Get creative Bring people back together Reduce loneliness Share skills Use community spaces

44 groups applied from the Isle of Grain round to Thanet and Romney Marsh and Thirty voluntary arts groups were awarded between

£100-£200.

The Shed

Dover Canterbury

Creative Querns

Canterbury

Umbrella Art Group Sew Crafty

Herne Bay

Aylesham Carnival

Aylesham Medway

Medway Community Clay

Minster

Village Art Taking Part

Faversham

Crafty Crafters

Sandwich

Daydream Believers

Folkestone

River Voice

Rochester

St Augustine’s Community Hub

Gillingham

Craft

Folkestone

Folkestone Creatives

Gillingham

Medway Afro Caribbean Thread & word

Ramsgate

Broomfield Art group

Broomfield

Sandwich Concert Band

Sandwich

Canterbury Christchurch

Canterbury

Creatives

Hythe

Pins & Needles

Dover

Dover Community Radio

Aylesham

The Manna

Rochester

The Grain

Hythe

Fat Lady Opera

Romney

Shoreline FM

Birchington

Kensei Taiko

Seasalter Stelling Minnis

The Forge Pop In Breakfast

Jane

The outcomes

470

63% of groups welcomed new members.

(in total) people took part in social, creative activities directly from this funding, double the amount we originally intended.

89% of attendees took part in new activities and learnt new skills.

30 creative groups delivered creative workshops in five targeted coastal districts in Kent.

80% of those that took part in activities met new people.

Querns Community Centre “From feedback we have learnt that residents have found it very hard being disconnected from a once very busy community centre and although the centre has provided things remotely e.g. cooking kits and craft kits the physical experience of working together within a group is highly beneficial to their mental health and relaxation.”

24 established groups reconnected with each other and 6 new groups started.

Kathryn Robinson Sandwich Concert Band

“It has helped members stay connected and has enabled a gentle reintroduction to music making.”

Jae Fowler

Carol Stewart

CCC Creatives

Medway African and Caribbean Association

“I heard several people commenting during the afternoon that this had been their first in-person social contact with people outside of their immediate families and friends since the lockdown in March 2020.”

“Having been isolated for over a year, when COVID restrictions lifted, they [participants] were really pleased to be able to meet in person again, as many of our elders live on their own.”

Laura Moncaster Renew 61

“Art skills have been shared including; watercolour painting, knitting, gardening, flower arranging, creative writing, drumming.”

Rose

William Parr

In a Space

Kensei Teiko

“We have two people who have not been involved in group activities in the hall before.

They really really enjoyed it and they have enjoyed meeting new people.”

“One particular student has jumped in with both feet, he has learned how to make wonderful videos of our sessions! Students collaborate between sessions, helping each other to learn, and as they get to perform at local events, they meet lots of new people!”

Long story short The purpose of the funding was to provide microgrants to grassroots groups in Kent enabling them to run creative activities to share with their communities.

The microgrant had a huge impact on those that needed a little helping hand to return to face-to-face activities. Many people were understandably nervous about returning and some groups had struggled financially, especially those that take a small sub from members each week. Enabling groups to have a simple application, with a quick turnaround during a critical time coming out of lockdown was vital.

There has been continued interest by many groups to find out if there will be another opportunity for microgrants.

Access to small grants with a quick turnaround are rare and 67% of the groups had little to no experience of applying for funding. At a time when grassroots groups are so vital to communities this funding was key in offering support and validation to groups that otherwise rarely get a look in with funders.

Every group has had further contact with Creative Lives, supporting many of them through our Creative Lives Community Champions, this includes free or heavily subsidised training (marketing, constituting your group, peer support, equality & diversity) and free online networking events for creative groups in the Southeast.

Laura Moncaster Renew 61

“Hardly any of those who attended had met before.

I have noticed an increase in communication between those who attended the meet up.”

Thanks to funders

Creative Lives Charity Limited is registered in Scotland as Company No. 139147 and Charity No. SC 020345. Registered office: The Melting Pot, 15 Calton Road, Edinburgh EH8 8DL. Creative Lives acknowledges funding from Arts Council England, the Arts Council of Ireland, Creative Scotland and the Arts Council of Wales.