Swale and Medway residents are being invited to say how they’d like to spend their share of an arts grant totalling £1,476.000 at a series of events being held throughout both boroughs.

Last summer, Arts Council England awarded the grant to a consortium called Creative People and Places: Swale and Medway, who will ask locals for help in deciding how the money should be spent on art-based activities within the community. The aim of the grant is to inspire people and groups who don’t think the arts are for them to become more involved and the events will give them the chance to suggest what kind of art projects, events and activities they’d like to see staged to improve their local environment.

The first event will be on board LightVessel 21, the floating cultural facility moored at Gillingham Pier. Called ‘Hook Up’ it’s taking place between 11am – 4pm on Sunday, February 17th. You can drop by anytime to help create a “message in a bottle” installation, generate electricity by pedal power, star in a film about the day and enjoy a free soup lunch, tea and cake, subject to availability. Wear flat, non-slip shoes; access is limited due to steep stairs.

A clay modelling day has been organised at Castle Connections in Queenborough, by FrancisKnight Contemporary Arts Practice. It will take place on Saturday, February 23rd, from 11am until 4pm and you’ll be able to get your hands dirty, make stuff, play, chat and tell the FrancisKnight girls what you would like to get involved with. Flamboyant ceramic artist Duncan Hooson will coax the creativity out of you! To book a free place at the clay day, phone 01795 661277 or email castleconnections@btconnect.com

‘Flux’ will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, March 2, at Creek Creative, Abbey Street, Faversham. A stall in Market Square will showcase locally produced art and craft with live demonstrations, while performers will entice the gathering crowds along to Creek Creative’s premises, where an intriguing hub of activity with live musical experimentation awaits. Demonstrations, films and performances and surprising characters will delight and entertain.

Three more public events will be held in March, including a pop-up cinema, interactive performance and open discussions between active members of the arts and non arts communities.

Residents are also asked to nominate ‘community catalysts’ – prominent members of  local life who do a lot locally and will encourage others to become involved. Nominations can be made at the events and via the website (address below) from March.

Sign up to receive regular updates and newsletters about Creative People and Places: Swale and Medway at http://www.creativepeopleplace.info/

The Swale and Medway group was one of seven successful applicants across England and the only one in the South East. In total, just under £16 million has been awarded.