Gravesham Light Festival 2027 – GALACTIC GLOW

Artist Commission Brief: The Undercroft at the Old Town Hall

We are seeking proposals from artists, designers, creative collectives and practitioners to create a sound and light focussed artwork(s)/installation/performative piece for Galactic Glow, our 2027 Light Festival. The commission should be visually striking to look at, with a hip vibe that incorporates both classical and modern music, allowing different audiences to connect with the work in different ways. We want to spark wonder and create unforgettable memories.

Theme: Galactic Glow

The installation must respond clearly to the Galactic Glow theme. Proposals may explore, but not limited to - constellations, imagined planets, cosmic landscapes, space travel, meteor showers, star maps, science fiction, community stories written in the stars, or the sense of wonder created by looking up at the night sky. This piece should include an element of sound as well as light.

Location

The installation will be located in the Undercroft at the Old Town Hall, in front of the Market. 

Who Can Apply

Artists, designers, makers, creative collectives or community arts organisations with experience of public-facing work.

Artwork Requirements

The installation must glow, illuminate, reflect, fluoresce or otherwise use light as a central visual feature along with strong elements of sound.

The artwork must have a clear connection to the theme.

The work should be suitable for outdoor display as part of a public light festival and be safe, robust and accessible for audiences of different ages.

Materials and power use should be considered carefully, with sustainable and reusable approaches encouraged. Long distance power runs are not available in this location.

Selection Criteria

A selection panel will review submissions and may invite a shortlist to take part in an on-line interview to answer any questions that may arise from the panel. All proposals will be presented as anonymous to the panel who will use the following criteria to score the work:

·       Artistic quality: strength, originality and visual impact of the proposed idea.

·       Theme response: clear and imaginative connection to Galactic Glow.

·       Public experience: accessibility, audience appeal and suitability for a light festival setting.

·       Feasibility: realistic budget, timeline, technical approach, safety considerations and ability to deliver.

·       Sustainability: responsible use of materials, energy and potential for reuse or future presentation.

Artist obligations

Artists are expected to be on site for the duration of the festival and always supervise the installation. All costs for the piece including materials, install and de-install must be included in the budget along with security considerations. Access for installation will be on Friday 29 January, de-installation must take place on Saturday 30 January after 8.30pm. Access outside of these dates will be subject to further discussions.

The total fee is up to £2,500

The total available commission is inclusive of artist fee, materials, travel, preparation time, and documentation costs. Artists should provide a realistic outline of how they would allocate the budget in relation to the scale of the proposed activity.

How to apply:
Artists should submit the following by email to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk paying close attention to the selection criteria.

·       A short description of the proposed installation and how it responds to Galactic Glow.

·       Initial sketches, images, mood boards or examples of previous relevant work.

·       An outline budget, including artist fees, materials, fabrication, installation, technical support and maintenance.

·       A delivery timeline, including design, production, installation and removal.

·       Any access, safety, power, stewarding or technical requirements.

·       Proposed floor plan of artwork/installation.

Submissions should be clearly titled Light Festival 2027 –The Undercroft and emailed to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk

Deadline: Midnight on Monday 21st September 2026

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Black History Month Gravesham 2026 - The Nigerian Experience.

CHILDREN & TEENS - YOUR ART. YOUR VOICE. YOUR STORY.

Jelosomi Art Centre invites young artists aged 6 - 18 to take part in Gravesham Black History Month 2026.

We are looking from young creatives to share artwork inspired by Nigerian, African, Caribbean or their own cultural experiences, identity, heritage and community.

All styles and abilities are welcome:  Painting, Drawing, Photography, Digital Art, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Textiles

Whether you are an emerging artist or simply love creating, we want to see your work.

Be proud.  Be creative.  Be heard.

Be part of Black History Month 2026.

Open to young people from Gravesham and surrounding areas with applications welcome from further afield.

Deadline: 15th September 2026

To Apply:  Info@jelosimiartcenter.co.uk

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Black History Month Gravesham 2026

Culture on The Catwalk.

Are you a fashion designer inspired by African heritage, Nigerian culture, contemporary identity or the African diaspora?

We are inviting emerging and established designers to showcase their work as part of The Nigerian Experience, a Black History Month celebration in Gravesham.

We are looking for designers who use fashion to tell stories.  From traditional textiles and craftmanship to contemporary African fashion, we want to explore how Nigerian identity is expressed through colour, fabric, silhouette, pattern and design.

Designers working with: Adire, Ankara, Aso-Oke, Indigenous textiles, Contemporary African fashion, Sustainable fashion, Mixed materials.

Whether you are an established label, emerging designer or independent creative, we want to hear from you.

Bring your creativity to the runway.

To Apply:  Send your designer profile, 3 - 5 images of your work / collection and a short description of your proposed showcase to: info@jelosimiartcentre.co.uk

Deadline: 15th September 2026

To Apply: info@jelosimiartcenter.co.uk

Exhibition: 9- 31 October 2026

Location: St George's Arts Centre

Gravesham Light Festival 2027 – GALACTIC GLOW

Artist Commission Brief: St Andrew’s Quayside

We are seeking proposals from artists, designers, creative collectives and practitioners to create a sculptural light-based artwork(s) for Galactic Glow, our 2027 Light Festival. The commission should create a visually striking display on St Andrew’s Quayside, it will need to be bold, ambitious and captivate audiences through light, sculpture and artistic storytelling. We want to spark wonder and create unforgettable memories.

Theme: Galactic Glow

The installation must respond clearly to the Galactic Glow theme. Proposals may explore, but not limited to - constellations, imagined planets, cosmic landscapes, space travel, meteor showers, star maps, science fiction, community stories written in the stars, or the sense of wonder created by looking up at the night sky. Due to the serene and immersive nature of this location, we are particularly interested in installations that complement the atmosphere of the space. As such, we would prefer proposals that do not rely on high-volume sound or amplified audio as a primary element of the experience.

Location

The installation will be located on the grass area of St Andrew’s Quayside.

Who Can Apply

Artists, designers, makers, creative collectives or community arts organisations with experience of public-facing work.

Artwork Requirements

The installation must glow, illuminate, reflect, fluoresce or otherwise use light as a central visual feature.

The artwork must have a clear connection to the theme.

The work should be suitable for outdoor display as part of a public light festival and be safe, robust and accessible for audiences of different ages.

Materials and power use should be considered carefully, with sustainable and reusable approaches encouraged. Long distance power runs are not available in this location.

Please also carefully consider the grass location and the possibility that at this time of year it may be muddy and/or wet. Will matting or something similar be required to safely access the artwork?

Selection Criteria

A selection panel will review submissions and may invite a shortlist to take part in an on-line interview to answer any questions that may arise from the panel. All proposals will be presented as anonymous to the panel who will use the following criteria to score the work:

·       Artistic quality: strength, originality and visual impact of the proposed idea.

·       Theme response: clear and imaginative connection to Galactic Glow.

·       Public experience: accessibility, audience appeal and suitability for a light festival setting.

·       Feasibility: realistic budget, timeline, technical approach, safety considerations and ability to deliver.

·       Sustainability: responsible use of materials, energy and potential for reuse or future presentation.

Artist obligations

Artists are expected to be on site for the duration of the festival and always supervise the installation. All costs for the piece including materials, install and de-install must be included in the budget along with security considerations. Access for installation will be on Friday 29 January, de-installation must take place on Saturday 30 January after 8.30pm. Access outside of these dates will be subject to further discussions.

The total fee is up to £2,500

The total available commission is inclusive of artist fee, materials, travel, preparation time, and documentation costs. Artists should provide a realistic outline of how they would allocate the budget in relation to the scale of the proposed activity.

How to apply:
Artists should submit the following by email to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk paying close attention to the selection criteria.

·       A short description of the proposed installation and how it responds to Galactic Glow.

·       Initial sketches, images, mood boards or examples of previous relevant work.

·       An outline budget, including artist fees, materials, fabrication, installation, technical support and maintenance.

·       A delivery timeline, including design, production, installation and removal.

·       Any access, safety, power, stewarding or technical requirements.

Submissions should be clearly titled Light Festival 2027 – St Andrews Quayside and emailed to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk

Deadline: Midnight on Monday 21st September 2026

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Black History Month Gravesham 2026 - The Nigerian Experience.

Jelosimi Art Centre invites models of all backgrounds, ages and sizes to take part in The Nigerian Experience Fashion Show.  Professional, emerging and first-time models are welcom.

You don't need previous modelling experience - just confidence, reliability and a passion for culture and fashion.

Everyone is welcome.

We particularly encourage applications from Gravesham and surrounding areas, but applications from welcome from anywhere.

To apply: Send your name, age, location, contact details and a recent photograph.

* UNPAID / VOLUNTARY OPPORTUNITY * 

Be part of the story.  Be part of Gravesham Black History Month 2026.

Deadline: 15th September 2026

To Apply: info@jelosimiartcenter.co.uk

Exhibition: 9-31 October 2026

Location: St George's Arts Centre

Light Festival – Galactic Glow – Workshop Facilitator Callout

We are looking for an artist to design and facilitate a family art/craft drop-in workshop as part of this exciting festival.

The Light Festival takes place on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th January 2027 from 5.30pm – 8.30pm both nights in Gravesend Town Centre.

This year’s theme is Galactic Glow, and we therefore wish for artists to explore and use this theme to inspire their workshop proposal.

Galactic Glow is a vibrant, out-of-this-world theme inviting artists to create fun, exciting and hands-on family workshops for children. We are looking for a simple, imaginative activity inspired by space, stars, planets, aliens, glowing galaxies and cosmic creatures, where families can make something special in just a few minutes. Workshops should be designed for high visitor numbers, with quick turnaround and easy-to-use materials, while still sparking creativity, curiosity and plenty of intergalactic fun.

The workshop will be based in the St George’s Shopping Centre outside of the St George’s Arts Centre.

The workshop will be free for families to attend and drop in and out of as they like. The craft should therefore be quick and easy, and the materials as inexpensive as possible.

Tables will be provided for the artist, but materials, facilitation and any additional help in running the workshop will be the responsibility of the chosen artist.

The Role

As the facilitator, you will be responsible for:

·       Devising the workshop

·       Sourcing materials (enough for up to 150 participants per evening)

·       Setting up and clearing away after the session

·       Running the workshop and helping participants where appropriate.

·       Providing the Arts and Culture team with a copy of your up-to-date liability insurance and an appropriate risk assessment before the workshop.

·       Providing any additional help you need in running the workshop

 The fee

The total fee is £1000 (covering the Artists fee for 2 nights and all materials)

How to apply: Submit proposals to artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukdetailing your proposed craft, materials list and attach any photos/images if possible.

Submissions should be clearly titled Light Festival 2027 – Workshops

Deadline for Submissions: Midnight, 21st September 2026

Selection: A selection panel will review submissions anonymously.

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Black History Month Gravesham 2026 - The Nigerian Experience.

Jelosimi Art Centre is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help bring Gravesham Black History Month 2026 to life.

Opportunities include: Exhibition & Events / Workshops / Fashion / Hospitality / Photography / Social Media / Visitor Support / Event Set-up.

No previous experience is required - just enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to contribute.

Meet People. Gain experience. Make a difference.

Deadline: 15th September 2026

To Apply: info@jelosimiartcenter.co.uk

Exhibition: 9-31 October 2026

Location: St George's Arts Centre

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Black History Month Gravesham 2026 - The Nigerian Experience

Jelosimi Art Centre invites artists, makers, educators, cultural practitioners and creative organisations to lead engaging workshops as part of The Nigerian Experience.

We welcome ideas exploring: Adire & Textiles, Art & Painting, Crafts, Beadwork, Poetry, Storytelling & Folklore, Music & Drumming, Dance, Food & Culinary Heritage, Fashion & Design.

Workshops should be creative, accessible and suitable for children, families, young people or adults.

Don't just tell people about culture, let them experience it!

To apply, send:

• Workshop idea

• Short profile

• Target age group & duration

• Requirements

• Examples / images of previous work

Deadline: 15th September 2026

To apply: info@jelosimiartcenter.co.uk

Exhibition: 9-31 October

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Black History Month Gravesham 2026 - The Nigerian Experience

Are you an artist with a story to tell?

Jelosimi Art Centre (JAC), in collaboration with Gravesham Borough Council, invites artists of Africa, Caribbean and diaspora heritage, migration, memory, community, history or contemporary life.

We welcome submissions across: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Textile, Mixed Media, Digital Art, Installation, Printmaking, New Media.

We are particularly interested in work that creates a fresh perspective on Nigerian and Black experiences.

We want to hear your story.

To apply, please submit:

• Artist statement

• Short biography

• Up to 3-5 images of your work

• Artwork details: title, medium, dimensions and year

• Website / social media link, if available

Send to: info@jelosimiartcenter.co.uk

Deadline: 15th September 2026

Exhibition: 9-31October 2026

Location: St George's Arts Centre

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Black History Month Gravesham 2026 - The Nigerian Experience.

Bring your business to the Gravesham Black History Month.

Are you a food business, creative maker, cultural brand or independent trader?

Join us for The Nigerian Experience as part of Gravesham Black History Month 2026e 

We welcome: Nigerian & African Food, Fashion & Accessories, Art & Prints, Crafts Books, Beauty & Lifestyle, Cultural Products.

Be part of a vibrant marketplace where visitors can discover, taste, shop and connect.

Spaces are limited.

Deadline: 15th September 2026

To Apply: info@jelosimiartscenter.co.uk

Exhibition: 9-31October 2026

Location: St George's Arts Centre

Gravesham Light Festival 2027 – GALACTIC GLOW

Artist Commission Brief: St George’s Arts Centre, a cosmic adventure

We are seeking proposals from artists, designers, creative collectives and practitioners to transform St Georges Arts Centre into an immersive, illuminated universe as part of Galactic Glow, our 2027 Light Festival. We are looking for an ambitious and bold installation that uses light, sound, and tactile elements to create an unforgettable journey into another world.

The commission should encourage visitors to pause, explore, play and immerse themselves in a wonderous cosmic landscape.

It is important that the creative considers the use of space as an exhibition for visitors to wander through and engage at their own pace during the month of January.  It also needs to allow sufficient floor space for the annual silent disco that takes place during the Light Festival.

The installation is primarily intended to build excitement and anticipation for the Light Festival, while also acting as a marketing tool to raise awareness among visitors about the festival taking place at the end of the month.  It should therefore be exciting, compelling and visually engaging, creating a sense of intrigue and encouraging visitors who may not be aware of the Light Festival to ask questions, find out more and ultimately engage with the festival itself.

Theme: Galactic Glow

The installation must respond clearly to the Galactic Glow theme. Proposals may explore, but not limited to - constellations, imagined planets, cosmic landscapes, space travel, meteor showers, star maps, science fiction, community stories written in the stars, or the sense of wonder created by looking up at the night sky.

Location

The installation will be located in the St George’s Arts Centre.

Who Can Apply

Artists, designers, makers, creative collectives or community arts organisations with experience of public-facing work.

Artwork Requirements

The successful artist will design, create, and install an immersive artwork within a gallery setting that transforms the space into a visually striking and engaging experience.

The installation must glow, illuminate, reflect, fluoresce or otherwise use light as a central visual feature.

Create a fully immersive environment rather than a standalone object

Be safe, robust, accessible, and inclusive.

Appeal to a broad audience, including families, young people, and adults

The artwork must have a clear connection to the theme.

Materials and power use should be considered carefully, with sustainable and reusable approaches encouraged.

Selection Criteria

A selection panel will review submissions and may invite a shortlist to take part in an on-line interview to answer any questions that may arise from the panel. All proposals will be presented as anonymous to the panel who will use the following criteria to score the work:

·       Artistic quality: strength, originality and visual impact of the proposed idea.

·       Theme response: clear and imaginative connection to Galactic Glow.

·       Public experience: accessibility, audience appeal and suitability for a light festival setting.

·       Feasibility: realistic budget, timeline, technical approach, safety considerations and ability to deliver.

·       Sustainability: responsible use of materials, energy and potential for reuse or future presentation.

Artist obligations

All costs for the piece including materials, install and de-install must be included in the budget.  Access for installation will be on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th of January, opening to the public on the 5th January.  De-installation must take place on Sunday, 31st January.

The total fee is up to £2,500

The total available commission is inclusive of artist fee, materials, travel, preparation time, and documentation costs. Artists should provide a realistic outline of how they would allocate the budget in relation to the scale of the proposed activity.

How to apply:
Artists should submit the following by email to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk paying close attention to the selection criteria.

·       A short description of the proposed installation and how it responds to Galactic Glow.

·       Initial sketches and examples of what the installation might look like together with a floor plan. 

·       A description of the creative process.

·       An outline budget, including artist fees, materials, fabrication, installation, technical support and maintenance.

·       Any access, safety, power, stewarding or technical requirements.

Submissions should be clearly titled Light Festival 2027 – St George’s Arts Centre and emailed to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk

Deadline: Midnight on Monday 21st September 2026

Gravesham Light Festival 2027 – GALACTIC GLOW

Artist Commission Brief: St Andrew’s Arts Centre

 A youth-focused public art commission for a glowing installation inspired by space, stars and cosmic imagination.

We are seeking an artist, creative collective, young person-led art group or organisation to design and deliver a new glowing installation as part of the 2027 Gravesham Light Festival. The commission should create a visually striking public artwork inside St Andrews Arts Centre, that feels imaginative, welcoming and accessible, inviting audiences to explore ideas of space, planets, stars, galaxies, light, movement and shared futures.

Theme: Galactic Glow

The installation must respond clearly to the Galactic Glow theme. Proposals may explore constellations, imagined planets, cosmic landscapes, space travel, meteor showers, star maps, science fiction, community stories written in the stars, or the sense of wonder created by looking up at the night sky.

Location

The installation will be located inside St Andrew’s Arts Centre, a grade II listed building and former mission church. Artwork must remain free standing.

Who Can Apply

Artists, designers, makers, creative collectives or community arts organisations with experience of public-facing work.

Young person-led art groups, youth arts collectives or emerging artists aged 18+.

Artists or organisations who can demonstrate meaningful experience of working creatively with young people.

Collaborative proposals involving schools, youth groups, community groups or young creatives.

Artwork Requirements

The installation must glow, illuminate, reflect, fluoresce or otherwise use light as a central visual feature.

The artwork must have a clear connection to the theme.

The work should be suitable for display and be safe, robust and accessible for audiences of different ages.

Materials and power use should be considered carefully, with sustainable and reusable approaches encouraged.

The installation may be sculptural, digital, projection-based, interactive, participatory, sound-responsive or mixed media, provided light remains central to the experience.

Working With Young People

The commissioned artist or group must involve young people in the development of the artwork. This could include co-design workshops, creative consultation, making sessions, youth-led decision-making, skills development, mentoring or opportunities for young people to contribute visual ideas, words, patterns, symbols or components to the final installation.

Selection Criteria

A selection panel will review submissions and may invite a shortlist to take part in an on-line interview to answer any questions that may arise from the panel. All proposals will be presented as anonymous to the panel who will use the following criteria to score the work:

·       Artistic quality: strength, originality and visual impact of the proposed idea.

·       Theme response: clear and imaginative connection to Galactic Glow.

·       Youth involvement: quality and depth of the proposed engagement with young people or youth-led practice.

·       Public experience: accessibility, audience appeal and suitability for a light festival setting.

·       Feasibility: realistic budget, timeline, technical approach, safety considerations and ability to deliver.

·       Sustainability: responsible use of materials, energy and potential for reuse or future presentation.

Artist obligations

Artists are expected to be on site for the duration of the festival and always supervise the installation. All costs for the piece including materials, install and de-install must be included in the budget along with security considerations. Access for installation will be on Friday 29 January, de-installation must take place on Saturday 30 January after 8.30pm. Access outside of these dates will be subject to further discussions.

The total fee is up to £2,500

The total available commission is inclusive of artist fee, materials, travel, preparation time, and documentation costs. Artists should provide a realistic outline of how they would allocate the budget in relation to the scale of the proposed activity.

How to apply:
Artists should submit the following by email to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk paying close attention to the selection criteria.

·       A short description of the proposed installation and how it responds to Galactic Glow.

·       Initial sketches and examples of what the piece might look like.

·       A description of how young people will be involved in the creative process.

·       An outline budget, including artist fees, materials, fabrication, installation, technical support and maintenance.

·       A delivery timeline, including design, youth engagement, production, installation and removal.

·       Any access, safety, power, stewarding or technical requirements.

Submissions should be clearly titled Light Festival 2027 – St Andrews AC and emailed to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk

Deadline: Midnight on  21st September 2026

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

In Spring 2025, we introduced ‘Get Creative’, our new programme of monthly workshops for ages 18+.

The aim of the programme is to introduce attendees to new skills, enhance existing ones, or allow them to rediscover the love of an old hobby all whilst having fun, socialising and engaging creatively.

We have a different workshop each month with past art forms including embroidery, paper-cutting, acting, singing, printing, calligraphy and pyrography to name but a few.

We are therefore looking for all different types of creative activities for people to be able to try. This could include, art, craft, creative writing, dance, performance skills, music, floristry, cake decorating, pottery, sculpture, painting, drawing, papercraft, needlework, photography etc… If you have a creative activity, then we want to hear from you!

We are particularly keen that these workshops provide a relaxed and friendly environment for attendees to meet, engage, learn and enjoy, boosting health and wellbeing through the arts.

There is generally 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.

The majority of the workshops will take place in the workshop area of the café at the St George’s Arts Centre, but depending on the art form, some may take place in other venues.  

Dates

The exact dates for each workshop are flexible but will ideally be one of the proposed dates mentioned below. Therefore, when submitting your proposal, please let us know your availability on the following dates, and also time (e.g. morning/afternoon/evening).

November 2026: Tues 10th, Wed 11th, Thurs 12th, Fri 13th, Sat 14th
December 2026: Tues 8th, Wed 9th, Thurs 10th, Fri 11th
January 2027: Tues 12th, Wed 13th, Thurs 14th, Fri 15th, Sat 16th
February 2027: Tues 9th, Wed 10th, Thurs 11th, Fri 12th, Sat 13th
March 2027: Tues 9th, Wed 10th, Thurs 11th, Fri 12th, Sat 13th

Please note, each month workshops will be on different days of the week, mornings, afternoons or evenings to make the workshops as accessible to as many different people as possible.

Workshops should last between 1.5- 2 hours and will be for a maximum of 10 participants per session. Please advise us how long your workshop will last.

Fee

The fee for individual workshops is £95 plus materials. The budget for the materials must be agreed in advance, and we therefore request that you include this in your workshop proposal.

Please note, we do not pay extra for travel or parking costs etc.

Insurance/Documentation

To be able to facilitate a workshop for us, you will need to have public liability insurance to cover the activity, and we will request a copy of your documentation in advance. Please ensure that your insurance covers the date of the workshop.

We will also require you to carry out a risk assessment to be submitted prior to the workshop.

Proposals

If you would like to apply to facilitate a workshop, please send your proposal(s) to artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk and ensure it has the following included:

·       Full description of workshop

·       Material list and costs

·       Images of activity

·       How long the workshop lasts

·       Availability (preferred dates and times)

·       Short bio of your previous work/experience (only if you haven’t worked with us before)

Please do not send your proposals to individual members of staff.

Selection

After the deadline closes, proposals will go before a panel to be considered.

If you are successful, you will be sent a contract, and we will request a non-copyright image of the activity and accompanying text asap for marketing purposes. Please note that images must be high-res and therefore a minimum of 2mb-3mb in size.

Please allow a couple of weeks to hear back from us after the deadline has closed.

The workshops will be considered against the following criteria:

·       Inclusion of all requested information

·       Teaching new or enhancing existing skills

·       Creative health benefits

·       Duration and suitability of workshop

·       Materials Budget

Deadline for proposals: 11.59pm Monday 28th September 2026

We look forward to hearing from you.

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Meet The Maker is back for Christmas! Call-out for Creatives & Artists!

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 24th November - 6th 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 September 2026.

Applicants will be contacted with further information in the week commencing 10th August.

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Northfleet is a town of deep currents and vibrant rhythms, a place where industrial heritage, Roman routes, chalk cliffs, cement kilns, shipyards, and the restless energy of the Thames converge. Long before its emergence as a creative landscape, Northfleet was defined by the Ebbsfleet River, Watling Street, historical river trade, and the industries that linked Kent to London, Europe, and beyond.

This same spirit of connection fuels ON (Open Northfleet) Arts Festival, an anticipated celebration of the region's creative landscape and a significant milestone for the artists, studios, and communities shaping Northfleet's cultural future.

At the heart of the festival is a dynamic collective of practitioners based in and around Northfleet, Gravesend, and the North Kenth reach. Anchored by creative hubs such as Clubb's Yard Studios and St George's Arts Centre, these artists reflect the diverse and evolving identity of the area. This exhibition brings their work together, offering a glimpse into the thriving artistic ecosystem that calls Northfleet home.

The exhibition invites audiences to encounter Northfleet through the work of artists who live, work, teach, and collaborate across the borough. Together, their practices trace a place shaped by river, industry, migration, studio life, and community exchange.

The exhibition is the precursor to the Open Northfleet Festival on 3 October 2026: www.opennorthfleet.co.uk

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

BLACK HISTORY MONTH GRAVESHAM 2026

The Nigerian Experience - Culture. Creativity. Community.

For 2026, JAC presents a vibrant cultural programme exploring Nigeria’s rich heritage, creativity, and global influence.

This multi-disciplinary event features an art exhibition, fashion show, creative workshops, and folklore storytelling, alongside music, poetry, and authentic Nigerian cuisine. While Nigeria is this year's focus, the event is open to all. We welcome artists, creatives, performers, businesses, and communities from all backgrounds to take part. Open to all. Rooted in Nigerian stories. Connected through Black history.

Presented by Jelosimi Art Centre (JAC) in collaboration with Gravesham Borough Council

Black History Month is a time to celebrate, preserve, and share the diverse histories, achievements, and contributions of Black communities.

For questions and enquiries: info@jelosimiartcenter.co.uk

St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend

Resilience 

Resilience brings together the powerful, deeply personal work of mother‑and‑daughter artists Lyn Riley and Lottie Jacques. Showcasing acrylics, watercolours, resin pieces, and mixed‑media works, the exhibition reflects years of shared creativity shaped by life’s challenges and triumphs.

Lyn became a mother at a young age, and her journey with Lottie has been marked by moments of struggle, rebuilding, and profound connection. Throughout these shifting chapters, art has become their constant — a place where they could return to calm, express what words couldn’t hold, and rediscover each other through colour, texture, and making.

The exhibition carries particular weight following Lyn’s recent major cancer surgery. During her recovery, creating art alongside Lottie became a source of healing, grounding, and renewed strength. Each piece in Resilience holds part of that story: the fear, the hope, the courage, and the quiet moments of peace that emerged through their shared practice.

More than an exhibition, Resilience is a testament to transformation — to finding beauty in adversity, strength in vulnerability, and connection through creativity. Lyn Riley and Lottie Jacques invite viewers into a narrative shaped by love, endurance, and the restorative power of art.