New horizons for the arts

Everyone in Shepway should have an opportunity to enjoy the arts and the feel-good factor they can bring - whether through music, admiring paintings, strutting on the dance floor, treading the boards, or learning a new craft skill.

That's the key message in Shepway District Council's newly published Arts Development Strategy, which sets out a three-year plan to broaden the horizons of the arts in Shepway so that more people, wherever they live, have the opportunity to get involved and get support from the council.

The strategy outlines a shift in priorities which will see investment in the arts spread across the district and not focused on Folkestone. And there is a new emphasis on encouraging more people of all ages to take part in community arts programmes.

Over the next three years, the council's focus will be on:

• Supporting small projects around the district that directly involve the public
• Commissioning projects from local artists and providing match funding
• Seed-funding and business advice for local artists and creative industries
• An annual grant to the Creative Foundation to support festivals at Quarterhouse, the new performing arts centre on Tontine Street
• An annual grant to Strange Cargo to support the popular Charivari Day and other community projects

Cllr Carole Waters, Cabinet Member for Sport and Culture said: "We want to give financial help to real grass-roots arts projects - those that involve communities and local people. It's not just about passive enjoyment of the arts. We want to help people develop new talents and interests."

The amphitheatre and Coastal Park in Folkestone will be available as a venue for productions, events and shows by local community groups and professionals.

"We are giving the amphitheatre a new role when it comes to the arts. Instead of inviting audiences to watch what the council chooses to present in its summer programme, we are encouraging local community, charity and arts groups to use the park for their own productions," said Cllr Waters.

The council's Arts Strategy can be downloaded at www.shepway.gov.uk , or call Amanda Oates, Arts Development Officer, on 01303 853 464 for a copy. To find out how to plan an event at the amphitheatre or Coastal Park, go to http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200663/610/ the council's events planning pages, or phone Bev Saunders on 01303 853264