Art on the doorstep
Gravesham’s new home for the visual arts is the St George’s Arts Centre conveniently located in Gravesend town centre. With it’s beautiful gallery space and adjacent cafe it compliments the borough’s St Andrew’s Centre and the Blake Gallery facilities. The last few months have seen successful shows from local artists, national touring exhibitions and numerous weekly arts workshops. Our positive geography means we also benefit greatly from links with the the Estuary Festival, England’s Creative Coast initiatives and the emerging Ebbsfleet Garden City cultural development.
Turner Young Creatives - Open Exhibition for Under 25s
Turner Contemporary Gallery, Margate
Under 25? Get your art and ideas seen by thousands at The Turner Contemporary, Margate. Announcing and open exhibition for young people living in Kent and Medway.
To celebrate JMW Turner’s fascination with the ocean and Margate’s unique light, Turner Contemporary has partnered with the RNLI to launch a new creative brief on the theme of ‘Force’.
Find the full brief and entry details on their website.
Matt Emery, The Soldier As Artist
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
St George’s Arts Centre are pleased to welcome Matt Emery with his first solo exhibition supported by the Armed Forces Covenant.
On show will be a wide collection of Matt's work, including a selection of military scenes, landscapes and floral depictions.
"I am drawn to capturing what I find beautiful moments and images that compel me, that demand to be preserved. My work is not concerned with the shocking, the political, or the provocative for its own sake. Beauty, in my view, should exist without an agenda; it should simply be appreciated for what it is. My art is a celebration of this simple yet profound idea.”
Meet The Maker - Christmas Call Out
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Call-out for Creatives & Artists - Meet The Maker is back for Christmas!
Are you an artist or crafter who makes original and creative pieces that could be the perfect gift to make someone’s Christmas extra special?
Then join us at the St George’s Arts Centre for our Meet the Maker event from the 1st – 11th December.
Creatives will need to commit to a minimum of 2 days during the event.
The event is an opportunity for members of the public to visit the arts centre, meet a talented group of like-minded creatives and artists local to Gravesham who design, create and sell their own work. To see them at work, learn about their skills and talk to them about their ideas and artwork. A great opportunity to see behind the scenes of the artistic mind at work in a creative environment.
To find out more, please register your interest by emailing: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk
Deadline for registration of interest is midnight on the 30th May 2025.
We will contact you with further information during the first week of June.
Victory In Europe - An 80th Anniversary Exhibition
Blake Gallery, Civic Centre, Gravesend
This year the nation celebrates the 80th Anniversary of ‘Victory in Europe’, which marked the end of the war in Europe on the 8th May 1945.
To commemorate this, we have curated a special exhibition of artefacts from the Gravesham Collection and alongside these we have included a number of donated items and memories.
Time for Us: Arts Club for SEND children CROWDFUNDING
Blueprint Arts Foundation
Back this project!!
Time For Us Club is an inclusive Arts holiday club for SEND children & young people.
Blueprint Arts believes that every child, regardless of their unique abilities, deserves a chance to experience the magic of the arts. That’s why they’re thrilled to introduce “Time for Us Club,” a pioneering project that’s close to their hearts.
The inspiration for Time for Us Club emerged when Blueprint realised that there’s an urgent need to create spaces that cater to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Time for Us Club is their answer to that need. They'’re dedicated to ensuring that no child is left behind when it comes to the joys of the arts.
The mission is clear – we’re here to empower SEND children in Gravesham and Dartford.
VE Day 80th Celebration Medals Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
This fun workshop will offer children the opportunity to make air dry clay medals. Ribbons will be provided to attach to the medals. Medals can be created using memories from past or present relatives. Personal messages can be written and attached. Resources will be provided for all abilities.
Suitable for ages 4+
Workshop lasts approx. 1.5 hours
Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times throughout the workshop.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
VE Day 80th Heart Bunting Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
This fun workshop will offer children the opportunity to make Union Jack hearts for celebrating VE Day. 3 hearts can be made per person.
Suitable for ages 7+
Workshop lasts approx. 1.5 hours
Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times throughout the workshop.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
Spring In Full Colour Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Shake off the Winter grey and join us at the St George's Arts Centre as we celebrate Spring in full colour.
Creative, colourful, stunning artwork from local artists will be on display in this exhibition which will leave you inspired and in awe of our local talent.
Stained Glass Candle Holder Workshop with Mona Whitton
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Come and have a go at the traditional Copper Foiled Stained Glass method.
In this session you will choose your glass from pre-cut pieces before foiling and soldering them together to create a beautiful candle holder.
Because of the nature of the materials used, this workshop is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women.
Suitable for ages 16+
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make our facilitators aware. Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Stained Glass Candle Holder Workshop with Mona Whitton
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Come and have a go at the traditional Copper Foiled Stained Glass method.
In this session you will choose your glass from pre-cut pieces before foiling and soldering them together to create a beautiful candle holder.
Because of the nature of the materials used, this workshop is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women.
Suitable for ages 16+
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make our facilitators aware. Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Roses & Castles Folk Art Workshop with Mona Whitton
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
In this 2 hour workshop you will have the opportunity to learn the traditional Roses and Castles style of Folk Art.
Artist Mona Whitton will provide acrylics & paper. There will also be enamels available, however, should you wish to bring your own enamelware you are welcome to.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Roses & Castles Folk Art Workshop with Mona Whitton
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
In this 2 hour workshop you will have the opportunity to learn the traditional Roses and Castles style of Folk Art.
Artist Mona Whitton will provide acrylics & paper. There will also be enamels available, however, should you wish to bring your own enamelware you are welcome to.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Life Drawing with Andy Hopton
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Come and join us at the St Georges Arts Centre from 7pm for a 2 hour life drawing class with Artist, Andy Hopton.
We will provide a model, paper and charcoal as well as easels and boards.
Please bring anything else you want to use with you. Models may be male or female.
To book your place please email: andy.hopton@outlook.com or click on the link below:
Papercutting with Pippa Waghorn - A Get Creative Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Get Creative – Workshops for Adults
Our new programme of monthly creative workshops for adults to learn new skills, enhance existing ones or rekindle the love of an old hobby.
Meet, Learn, Create, Enjoy
Each month we offer you a different activity to try which hopefully you will want to continue with at home.
The workshops are designed to bring people together, learn skills, have fun and connect with each other. We aim for the sessions to be relaxed, friendly and offer a space where people’s creativity can flow. All are welcome (ages 18+ only) with no specific level of skill required.
Workshops last approx. 1.5-2 hours
April: Papercutting Workshop with Pippa Waghorn
Learn about the art of papercutting; how to work the blade to get the best result, learning tips and hints to hone skills with a knife and create a piece of art to keep. Create a papercut tree from a pre-printed template. Learning to turn the paper and which direction you should cut in to get the best results. The provided template will have variations of complexity and optional elements. Each attendee will be provided with a booklet of helpful hints and tips from our papercutting artist.
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
Notes for all workshops
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Vaisakhi Workshop with Gee Jay Arts
Blake Gallery, The Woodville, Gravesend
Join Gee Jay Arts for a mixed-media workshop celebrating Vaisakhi.
Workshop lasts approx. 1.5 hours
Suitable for ages 4+
Please note: All children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult throughout the session.
We aim for our workshops to be as inclusive as possible and invite everyone to attend. However, if the participant has additional needs, please contact us in advance via: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk so that we can make our facilitators aware.
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events for future advertising. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed at all, please inform the member of staff.
3D Animals - SEN workshop for children
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
The National Autistic Society (Artrack), are pleased to be delivering a workshop for children with autism.
Making animals from tubes, this is a college based workshop using feathers, paints, crayons and coloured and patterned papers.
The workshop will take place in the gallery where the Artrack exhibition is on display. So come along to see a display of artwork from talented autistic artists.
It is essential that Carer’s attend with the children taking part. Please only purchase a ticket for the child taking part in the workshop.
Suited to ages 6 - 12 years
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Still Life SEN Workshops for adults
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
The National Autistic Society (Artrack), are pleased to be delivering a workshop for Adults with Autism.
Create a piece of art from a still life. There will be lots of different mediums for participants to explore. The emphasis is on enjoyment.
The workshop will take place in the gallery where the Artrack exhibition is on display. So come along to see a display of artwork from talented autistic artists.
Where needed, it is essential that Carer’s attend with the Adults taking part. Please only purchase a ticket for the Adult taking part in the workshop.
Suited to ages 18yrs +
Photography and Videography may take place at any of our workshops/events. We will always make you aware before we take any photographs/videos, and if we intend to take shots other than completed artwork, backs of heads or hands, then we will always ask you to complete a permission form beforehand. Should you not wish to be photographed/videoed at all, please inform the photographer/videographer.
Expression Beyond Words - an exhibition created by autistic artists
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
The National Autistic Society are pleased to present, Expression Beyond Words, an exhibition created by autistic artists.
There will be a preview on Tuesday 1st April 10.30am – 12pm. This is open to the public and will be an opportunity for people to come and meet the artists.
Life Drawing with Andy Hopton
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Come and join us at the St Georges Arts Centre from 7pm for a 2 hour life drawing class with Artist, Andy Hopton.
We will provide a model, paper and charcoal as well as easels and boards.
Please bring anything else you want to use with you. Models may be male or female.
To book your place please email: andy.hopton@outlook.com or click on the link below:
Spring In Full Colour Exhibition - OPEN CALL
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
As the days get longer and the sunshine brings warmth and new life, how does Spring inspire you?
Let’s celebrate Spring in full colour….
Submissions can be in 2D or £D media including but not restricted to painting, drawing, print, photography, collage, upcycling, recycled materials and sculpture, and must reflect the theme of Spring.
The exhibition will run at the St George’s Arts Centre from Tuesday 13th May 2025 - Thursday 29th May 2025.
There will be a small charge of £10 for every piece of work chosen to be part of the exhibition, however, the work can be sold and there will be no commission fee charged.
The deadline date for submissions is Monday 28th April 2025 11.59pm.
Successful entries will be informed by Friday the 2nd May at the latest, and chosen work can be delivered to the St George’s Arts Centre between Saturday 3rd May and Sunday 11th May 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Please note, it is the artists' responsibility to ensure all work is delivered ready to be hung. The gallery will not add fixings to the artwork. It is also the artists' responsibility to insure their work. The gallery is unable to return artwork by post.
To submit your work, please visit:
https://my.gravesham.gov.uk/service/Exhibition_artwork_submission
Community - An exhibition of artworks by the Creative Studios at North Kent College
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Welcome to ‘Community’, an exhibition of artworks by The Creative Studios at North Kent College.
On display are a range of works from our Art, Fashion and Photography students. Our show includes a broad range of responses to the a variety of themes, such as the environment, identity, youth culture and habitat.
At North Kent College our Art & Digital Design departments offer a variety of courses from level 1-4.
We pride ourselves on the links we make within the local community and the opportunities we offer to our learners such as industry standard equipment, live briefs, visiting lecturers, exhibitions and much more.
If you are interested in the work on display please check out our website where you can find more information of what we have to offer.
We Remember
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
The 'We Remember' exhibition has been curated to pay tribute to families who have been through baby loss and/or pregnancy after loss.
The exhibition has been organised by three charities supporting families through baby loss and pregnancy after loss within the local area - Abigail's Footsteps, The Worst Girl Gang Ever and Willow's Rainbow Box.
The purpose of the exhibition is to raise awareness of the journey families go through, raise awareness of local support available and to give families a creative opportunity to process their emotions.
The works displayed are a combination of open call pieces and installations co-produced by artist, Sonnia Montes and families connected with the three charities.
Please be aware that the content of this exhibition may be upsetting for some.
Life Drawing with Andy Hopton
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Come and join us at the St Georges Arts Centre from 7pm for a 2 hour life drawing class with Artist, Andy Hopton.
A relaxed evening of life drawing with a live model. Guidance available or work independently.
We provide a model, paper and charcoal as well as easels and boards.
Please bring anything else you want to use with you. Models may be male or female.
To book your place please email: andy.hopton@outlook.com or click on the link below:
Love Around the World Exhibition
St George's Arts Centre, St George's Shopping Centre, DA12 0TA
Join us at the St George’s Arts Centre for our beautiful Love Around the World Exhibition.
The exhibition includes 2D and 3D work from artists working and/or living within Gravesham in response to an open call based on the theme of Love Around the World.
It explores the different ideas of love including love for family/friends/partner, pets, hobbies, nature etc and the world around us. How can we love and care for our planet? What does love mean to us?
Why not decorate a wooden heart and add it to our display whilst you’re there? Free activity drop-in to do as you like. Please note there will be no facilitator for this activity. All children must be supervised by adults.
Our swap shop will also be open for you to come and exchange arts and craft supplies that you no longer need.
Get Creative - Creative Facilitators Wanted
St George's Arts Centre, St George's Shopping Centre, DA12 0TA
In 2025, we are introducing our Get Creative Programme of Workshops for ages 16+
Each month we will hold a workshop that either introduces attendees to a new skill, enhances an existing one or rediscover the love of an old hobby etc.
We are therefore looking for all different types of arts/crafts/performance/writing/creative activities for people to be able to try.
We are particularly keen that these workshops highlight the health benefits of being creative and provide a relaxed and friendly environment for attendees to meet, learn and enjoy.
There is no set theme for any of the workshops, but you are welcome to base them on a key occasion if you wish to, so long as the content meets the aims mentioned above.
To find out more and receive an information pack, please email: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk