Open Quarter Explore, discover and be inspired!
17-19 June 2016
This summer Folkestone Creative Quarter invites you to embrace your creative side, discover new works of art and meet the people who make it happen! Open Quarter is an annual celebration of Folkestone’s thriving creative community where you can not only meet the artists but also explore their studios, see works in progress, discover award-winning digital artists, designers and film makers, take part in workshops, hear fantastic live music and explore the Creative Quarter’s independent shops, galleries, restaurants, cafés and bars.
Open Quarter begins on Friday 17th June at Folkestone Quarterhouse with Connecting Creatives at 5.30pm. This presentation and networking event invites local business owners, artists and start-ups to meet, make contacts and discuss their future plans. It is a great opportunity to share knowledge of working in the creative industry and forge bonds with like-minded individuals.
On Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June the Creative Quarter throws open its doors to the public with over 50 artists hosting open studios, workshops, exhibitions, open houses and much more. Galleries including Whelk Boy, Shane Record Paintings and Prints, Wayne Reeves Art, B&B Project Space, UCA’s Brewery Tap and the Lilford Gallery will be exhibiting a variety of original works in multiple mediums. Across the Creative Quarter hidden collectives of working artists will open up their studios offering a chance to see exclusive Open Quarter shows, works in progress and past pieces.
Learn a new skill and discover a passion for creating with one of many workshops taking place during Open Quarter. Experiment with screenprinting with artist Sam Capell; refresh an old item of furniture with upcycler and bag maker Steven Harkin at Anecdotes Design; make your own hammered stacking ring with jewellery maker Leah Gaynor; or join artist and musician Paulina Pluta for a structure and form drawing workshop. The Creative Quarter also welcomes the Creative Foundation’s new workshop space The Block 67 at 67 Tontine Street, which will be running family art workshops during the weekend.
You’ll have the chance to explore the Creative Quarter’s wonderful array of independent shops ranging from bespoke dress making services to chocolate heaven! Drop in to Concept, Maison Marine, Feral Child or Suzie Abbott for all your fashion, jewellery and art needs. Visit Anecdotes Design and Kitty McCall for a range of stunning interior design, prints, furniture, handmade bags and more. Music lovers can dig through Vintage & Vinyl’s treasure trove of new and used vinyl.
For more information on the programme and a full list of shops, artists and businesses go to:
www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk
DEAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC & THE ARTS
1-16 July 2016
The beautiful and historic surroundings of Deal, Sandwich and Dover within England’s south coast are the backdrop to an annual festival that celebrates great classical and contemporary music from some of the world’s finest music-makers, as well as literature, theatre, opera, cinema, dance and the visual arts.
2016 marks the 34th anniversary of the Deal Festival of Music & The Arts. Today it is one of the landmarks of the English music festival scene and a treasured East Kent institution, bringing music and arts lovers from far and wide to enjoy concerts and other events from world-class artists in an eclectic selection of venues and settings.
Deal Festival is proud to be able to present the programme that they do, one that dares to be that bit different and is happy to be truly engaging and friendly. They are fortunate to receive the support of so many trusts, foundations, individuals and organisations, not least Arts Council England, whose significant support for the festival and education work is critical.
Artists and works include: European Union Chamber Orchestra with soloist Guy Johnston; international pianist Freddy Kempf performs Beethoven, Chopin and Tchaikovsky; Academy of Ancient Music with students from Guildhall School of Music and Drama present A Bach Portrait; Messiaen’s seminal ‘Quartet for the End of Time’ with real time visual art; Muygenkyo Taiko Drummers; OperaUpClose performs La Boheme; Kosmos brings gypsy music; celebrated cellist Steven Isserlis performs Debussy, Thomas Adés and Beethoven; Changeling Theatre Company presents All’s Well that End’s Well and She Stoops to Conquer; Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale is enacted by East London Music Group; classical and contemporary accordion music with Bartosz Glowacki; and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Great Britain bring the festival to a dynamic conclusion.
Two weeks packed with delights including children’s concerts, walks and lunchtime recitals. Performances will be in Deal, Dover and Sandwich. The Turner Contemporary Margate will be host for a day of contemporary dance and music with percussionist Joby Burgess.
Box Office opens 16th May, Astor Theatre 01304 370220
