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.
Light & Life Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join us at the St George’s Arts Centre this January for a vibrant exhibition celebrating the theme of Light and Life, which also forms part of the Gravesham Light Festival 2026.
Responding to an open call artist brief, creatives were invited to submit work that explores the connection between light and life - whether through nature, human experience, community, memory, or resilience.
From the first spark of daybreak to the warmth of human connection, light is a universal symbol of hope, clarity, and transformation. It reveals not just the world around us, but also our inner lives.
The exhibition runs from Saturday 3rd January – Sunday 1st February 2026.
3D Pop-Up Christmas Card - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Meet the maker, Jonny Dixon will be leading this fun Christmas workshop.
Come and create a unique and quirky 3D Christmas Card for someone special (or keep it to decorate your home).
Suitable for any level of experience/ artistic expertise...you'll be guided to bring your ideas into colourful life.
Suitable for all ages from 8+
A fun and accessible workshop to get you in the festive mood!
Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times throughout the workshop. Adults do not need to book a place if only assisting the child.
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.ukso 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.
Stained Glass Mosiac Christmas Decoration - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Join artist, Debbie Burns to make a stained glass mosaic bauble which will add sparkle to your Christmas celebrations!
On a pre-cut glass base, you will use glass pieces to create a bauble using UV resin and grout.
Suitable for ages 16+
A fun and accessible workshop to get you in the festive mood!
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.ukso 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.
Crochet Christmas Tree Decoration - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Join artist, Melanie Davies to create your own Christmas tree decoration.
All materials will be supplied for you to complete a hanging tree decoration / gift decoration. Experience of crochet techniques not necessary but could be useful.
Suitable for all ages from 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 via:artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukso 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.
Henna Hand Art - A Meet The Maker Drop In Session
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
We are pleased to welcome Bonita Bedi to the St George’s Arts Centre on Sunday 7th December.
Bonita will be offering free Henna Hand Art to visitors between 11am and 1pm.
There is no need to book, just turn up and artwork will be created on your hands on a first come first serve basis within the time slot.
Bonita will be situated in the workshop area of the Meet the Maker event.
Henna paste is naturally made, but there is always the risk of allergic reaction to any product of this kind and therefore individuals participate in this activity at their own risk.
Please note
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.
Nordic Inspired Christmas Decoration - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join Maker, Patrick Whitton for a fun Christmas workshop
Using pre-cut wooden slices and moulds you will have the opportunity to make your own natural, Nordic-inspired Christmas Decoration that is sure to enhance your Christmas decor year on year.
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 via:artsandculture@gravesham.gov.ukso 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.
Nutcracker Christmas Characters Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join Libbie for a magical Christmas craft workshop to make your own Nutcracker Christmas Characters! Using cardboard tubes, coloured paper, feathers and all the shiny things, you will be able to create up to 3 decorations to bring festive cheer to your home.
Suitable for ages 5+.
Suitable for different ages and abilities, as younger participants can use precut shapes and older participants can cut out their own.
Facilitated by Libbie from L Watson Design
Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times throughout the workshop. Adults do not need to book a place if only assisting the child.
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.
Cheeky Elf Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Create your own cheeky Elf to decorate your home this Christmas.
Design your character, sculpt and paint his/ her face, assemble the body and then give your elf a name, and a 'how to look after me' instruction label!
This will be a fun and accessible 1.5 hour family workshop facilitated by artist Jonny Dixon.
Suitable for ages 7+ and ideal for all abilities including atendees with SEN.
The workshop will involve the assembly of pre-fabricated elements and the sculpture and painting of bespoke faces out of DAS clay to complete a cheeky elf for each attendee.
Support will available for those who require it, as well as creative free reign and encouragement given to those more confident with the craft.
Jonny is an experienced and skilled workshop leader with a background in leading fun, accessible and individual-centred workshops with high quality end results.
Please note, children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an appropriate adult at all times throughout the workshop. Adults do not need to book a place if only assisting the child.
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.
Get Creative – Papercutting & colour infill workshop wil Pippa Waghorn
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Discover the art of papercutting in this hands-on creative workshop, perfect for beginners and art enthusiasts alike!
In this session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of papercutting – from safely handling tools to designing and cutting your own intricate patterns. Once your design is complete, bring it to life by infilling the cut areas with vibrant coloured papers, transforming your piece into a bold, fully coloured artwork ready to frame or gift.
Guided step-by-step by an experienced instructor, you'll explore both technique and creativity, leaving with a finished piece and the skills to continue papercutting at home.
All materials provided – just bring your imagination!
Workshop facilitated by Pippa Waghorn
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
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.
Wire Sculpting & Stone Painting with Andy Hopton - A Meet The Maker Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Meet the maker, Andy Hopton will be leading this fun workshop.
Using simple materials to emblazon pebbles and stones with your own colourful designs.
These can then be adorned with colourful and easy to work wire frames so that they can be hung as decorations around your home or in the garden.
Using colourful paint pens you can be inspired by the artworks around you or develop an abstract design that enhances the natural beauty of the pebbles. You may also choose to create trinkets and objects from wire, using simple twisting techniques that will be demonstrated by Andy during this session.
Suitable for all ages from 16+
A fun and accessible 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.ukso 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.
Meet The Makers
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Meet The Maker is back for Christmas!
Are you looking for 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.
A great opportunity 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.
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.
A Christmas Fayre with extra flair!
The Makers will be leading workshops for you to take part in to learn new skills and have your very own hand-made pieces on display in your home this Christmas.
All workshops are £5 per person and must be booked in advance
Andy Hopton will be running a wire sculpting and stone painting workshop:
Jonny Dixon will be teaching you how to make 3D pop-up Christmas cards:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/3d-pop-up-christmas-card-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Grace Akehurst is hosting a felted Christmas Tree workshop:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/felted-christmas-tree-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
LucyAnn Trill will be leading a workshop making polar bear hanging decorations:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/felt-polar-bear-hanging-decoration-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Mary Dawber will be hosting a felt Christmas bunting workshop:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/decorative-felt-bunting-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Mona Whitton will be leading a workshop making a stained glass snowman decoration:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/stained-glass-snowman-decoration-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Melanie Davies is hosting a crochet Christmas decoration workshop:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/crochet-christmas-tree-decoration/
Patrick Whitton is hosting a Nordic inspired Christmas decoration workshop:
https://www.woodville.co.uk/events/nordic-inspired-christmas-decoration-a-meet-the-maker-workshop/
Debbie Burns will be leading a workshop making a stained glass Christmas bauble:
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 this link.
Stained Glass Decoration Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Come and try your hand at the traditional Copper Foiled Stained Glass method.
In this workshop with artist, Mona Whitton you will work with pre-cut pieces of glass, foiling and soldering them together to create a beautiful decoration.
Suitable for ages 16+
Because of the nature of the materials used, this workshop is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women.
Workshops must be booked in advance.
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 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.
Stained Glass Decoration Workshop
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Come and try your hand at the traditional Copper Foiled Stained Glass method.
In this workshop with artist, Mona Whitton you will work with pre-cut pieces of glass, foiling and soldering them together to create a beautiful decoration.
Suitable for ages 16+
Because of the nature of the materials used, this workshop is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women.
Workshops must be booked in advance.
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 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.
To Date...
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
This solo exhibition by artist Mona Whitton offers a reflective journey through the moments, places, and experiences that have shaped her creative life to date. From the landscapes she has travelled through to the encounters and emotions that have left their mark, the works on display reveal the threads that weave together her artistic identity.
Far from being a retrospective, To Date… is a pause — a moment to look back in order to move forward. It revisits the inspirations that continue to guide her practice, marking both a culmination and the beginning of a new creative chapter.
Get Creative – Pattern & Light: Print and make a paper lantern
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Get Creative – Workshops for Adults
Our programme of monthly creative workshops for adults to learn new skills, enhance existing ones or rekindle the love of an old hobby. 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 hours
November: Pattern & Light: Print and Make a Paper Lantern
As the clocks go back and the evenings draw in, brighten up those dark nights by joining Rachel from iPrintedThat for a creative hands-on workshop where you’ll design and build your own glowing paper lantern.
In this workshop, you’ll explore both printmaking and papercraft techniques. We’ll begin by creating decorative patterned papers using Gelli printing, experimenting with colour, texture, and design. These papers will then be transformed into a three-dimensional geometric lantern through guided folding and assembly. To finish, your lantern will be fitted with a battery-operated push light, ready to take home and enjoy safely.
This workshop is perfect for beginners and a wonderful introduction to surface pattern design and paper construction. You’ll leave with not only a glowing lantern but also new creative skills to use again and again.
Come along and add a little light and creativity to your November evenings!
Ages 18+ only
Workshops must be booked in advance.
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.
In The Line Of Remembrance
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
This year’s Remembrance exhibition looks at conflict from personal experiences.
We are pleased to be working with artist, veteran and serving reservist, Matt Emery.
Matt reached out to other military veterans to curate this powerful exhibition that depicts personal experiences of combat, daily military life and the impact of war.
The creative process can be a powerful tool for veterans and serving individuals to process their experiences and express themselves, Matt is keen to develop this process and hopes to offer a series of workshops in the New Year. Further information on this project can be found by visiting www.memeryarts.co.uk
The exhibition features work from: John Chesney, Emma Cook, Matt Emery, Harry Joseph, Shaun Maloney, Richard May, Kye Robinson & Julia Stevenson.
Gravesham Light Festival - Exhibition Open Call
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Be Part of the Magic - Open Call Exhibition for Gravesham Light Festival 2026!
We’re excited to announce that the Gravesham Light Festival will return in January 2026 - and this year, it’s set to shine brighter than ever!
As part of the festival, St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend will host a special Open Call exhibition celebrating the themes of Light and Life. We’re inviting artists, photographers, and creatives of all disciplines to submit work that explores or is inspired by these themes.
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your creativity to a wide audience and be part of one of Gravesham’s most inspiring cultural events.
From the first spark of daybreak to the warmth of human connection, light is a universal symbol of hope, clarity, and transformation. It reveals not just the world around us, but also our inner lives.
We’re looking for work that explores the connection between light and life - whether through nature, human experience, community, memory, or resilience.
Think radiant portraits, glowing cityscapes or subtle reflections of light in everyday moments. Show us how light shapes the way we see, feel and live.
The exhibition will run from Friday 2nd January – Saturday 31st January.
Part of the exhibition is open call, and we are therefore inviting artists/crafters of all ages to submit up to 3 pieces of work for consideration.
Submissions can be in 2D or 3D media including but not restricted to painting, drawing, print, photography, sculpture, pottery, jewellery, crochet etc but must reflect the themes of either Light and Life, or even both!
There will be a small charge 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.
Ages 17 and under £5 per piece of work. Ages 18+ £10 per piece of work.
Entry for the exhibition will close on Sunday 14th December 2025 11.59pm.
It is also the artists’ responsibility to insure their work.
Notes for Submitting your work
Please label the photographs with the title of the piece so that we can easily identify.
When completing the description of work field, please include the following (as if you are successful, we will use this information to create the gallery cards and exhibition list)
Artists Name (as you wish it to appear on the card)
Title of Piece
Medium
Price
Age of Artist
Additional Notes (if you have anything you want added to the card)
Website or Socials (if applicable)
To submit your work, please use the following form: https://my.gravesham.gov.uk/service/Exhibition_artwork_submission
Halloween Life Drawing with Andy Hopton
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Come and join us at the St Georges Arts Centre from 7pm for a 2 hr 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:
Gravesham Light Festival - Workshop Facilitator Callout
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
2026 is the 5th Gravesham Light Festival and 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 30th and Saturday 31st January 2026 from 5.30pm – 8.30pm both nights in Gravesend Town Centre.
This year’s theme is Light and Life, and we therefore wish for artists to explore and use this theme to inspire their workshop proposal.
From the first spark of daybreak to the warmth of human connection, light is a universal symbol of hope, clarity, and transformation. It reveals not just the world around us, but also our inner lives. Explore the connection between light and life to create a fun, engaging drop-in craft activity for the whole family to enjoy.
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.uk detailing your proposed craft, materials list and attach any photos/images if possible.
Deadline for Submissions: November 28th 2025.
Selection: A selection panel will review submissions anonymously, and you will be contacted in early December with confirmation.
Revamp and Recycle with Paint - 3 Day Workshop
Rosherville Scout Hall, Rosherville Recreational Park, Northfleet, DA11 9JU
‘We can, She can, You can’…Revamp & Recycle with paint 3 Day Workshop.
Opportunities With Experience run regular paint workshops using official Annie Sloan paints. Their professional and expert tutor covers areas of colour mixing, fabric painting, stencilling, applying waxes and using bronze, silver or gold leaf for decorative effects, and much more!
These techniques will elevate your furniture and boost your confidence beyond painting in single colour.
You bring the item from home, and we’ll provide all the tools and materials that you’ll need. We also provide aprons and gloves.
Booking is required - Contact Angela on 07496547214 or email: angela.steele1@o-w-e.org.uk
Frights & Delights – An Enchanted Autumn Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Arts Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join us this October at the St George’s Arts Centre where Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice meets the Wickedly Wonderful Witching Hour in our enchanted Autumn/Halloween exhibition ‘Frights and Delights’.
The exhibition will feature both 2D and 3D work from Artists in response to an open call based on the themes of cosy Autumnal vibes, warmth, light and delicate rustic golden colours, alongside the more mystical part of the season, the wickedly wonderful family friendly side of Halloween festivities.
There will also be photo opportunities with our specially created Halloween and Autumn Scenes, as well as the art swap shop, where you can donate good quality art and craft materials you no longer require and pick up something different.
As well as fantastic artwork, photo ops and the art swap shop, we are running a whole host of activities over the half-term holiday, including art and craft workshops, story telling for both families and adults, and a special interactive family experience featuring light, reflection and slime. The café will also be hosting a Halloween party complete with pumpkin carving! Check our the Arts and Culture page on the Woodville website for a full list of our events and booking information.
We can’t wait to see you ‘scare’… we mean ‘there’, we can’t wait to see you ‘there’!
Architecture + Photography = Art
The Masonic Hall, 25 Wrotham Road Gravesend DA11 0PA
The Arts Society Gravesend presents a lecture -
According to one leading architect, “the modern architectural drawing is interesting, the photograph is magnificent, the building is an unfortunate but necessary stage between the two.” Architecture + Photography = Art introduces photographers who crystallised the architects’ vision in images that are both works of art in their own right and shape our opinion of the buildings they depict. These photographers include Dell and Wainwright from Britain, Julius Shulman in the United States and Lucien Hervé in France. The lecture also examines photographers who recorded rural churches, barns and cottages to create a lyrical vision of Britain.
Lecturer
Brian Stater lectured at University College London for 25 years, retiring in 2021 as a Senior Teaching Fellow. His principal academic interest lay in the appreciation of architecture and he has a lifelong enthusiasm for photography. He therefore offers lectures to The Arts Society on each of these subjects.
He has written on architecture for a wide range of publications and an exhibition of his own photographs was held at UCL. He is a member of the Association of Historical and Fine Art Photography and he works with a pre-War Leica camera, as used by his great hero, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and many others.
Brian is an engaging and amusing speaker who seeks to entertain as well as inform his audience.
Gravesham Light Festival - Artist Commission
St George’s Arts Centre, Gravesend
Gravesham Light Festival 2026 – Artist Commission opportunity
2026 is the 5th annual Light Festival in Gravesham and we are keen to work with artists to create a number of site-specific installations for this exciting festival.
The theme this year is Light & Life and artists are encouraged to release their imaginations around this. We are keen to see fun interactive installations that explore how light can transform spaces, influence perceptions and create impactful experiences. All we ask is that you respond to the theme with an illuminated artwork or installation. The important thing to remember is that this festival is designed to demonstrate the creativity and vibrancy of our borough and to give residents and visitors alike a wonderful experience in the dark and wintery days of January. The Light Festival takes place on January 30th & 31st between 5.30pm – 8.30pm and artists are expected to be on site for the duration of the festival.
All costs for the piece including materials, install and de-install must be included in the budget along with security considerations. Submissions are encouraged from artists and creatives who live or regularly work within the borough, professional or amateur, who have experience of working with the community and can deliver high quality and accessible projects that are durable and sustainable.
The total fee is up to £3000
Installation locations (Please ensure you indicate your preferred location)
St Georges Gardens
St Andrew’s Quayside
Old Town Hall under croft
St Andrew’s Arts Centre (inside)
The project proposal must achieve the following objectives
Create an eye-catching and dynamic new work for Gravesham
To develop creative engagement opportunities for Gravesham communities
Be resilient to change environmental factors
Selection
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.
Judging Criteria
Each submission will be judged on the following criteria:
Eye-catching, vibrant and dynamic new work for Gravesham communities
Develop creative engagement opportunities for Gravesham communities
Realistic and achievable
Resilient to changing environmental factors
Proposed costings reflect budget available
Production, construction and installation schedule meets required timelines
How to apply
Submit proposals to artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk
What to expect if you are selected
Successful submissions will be informed in writing and required to sign and return a Condition of Funding Agreement before any funds are processed. 90% of agreed funds will be issued and the final payment of 10% will be made once a Funding Evaluation Form has been returned to us. In accepting this grant offer, you will be agreeing to publicly acknowledge our support by using the council logo on all publicity which in turn must be approved by the council prior to release. Additional conditions of funding may apply.
Copyright
The Copyright for all work created for this commission remains with the artists. However, as part of the agreement the work will be available for additional; exhibition by the council for a period of 3 years after the agreement date. Any exhibition outside of council activity must include the logo within the 3year period.
Submission deadline: 28 November 2025
Please submit proposals including a budget breakdown and indicate your preferred location to: artsandculture@gravesham.gov.uk
In Transit – A free Photography Exhibition, Q&A and Workshop by Phil Fisk at Gravesend Town Pier
Gravesend Town Pier
Gravesham Borough Council, with the support of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, has commissioned award-winning photographer Phil Fisk to create a striking new body of work capturing the unique spirit of the Thames Estuary.
The result is In Transit, a free public photography exhibition taking place at Gravesend Town Pier, the oldest working iron pier in the world on Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 October, from 9am to 5pm each day.
The exhibition features evocative riverscapes of the ever-shifting Thames Estuary, alongside compelling portraits of the people of Gravesend – offering a powerful reflection on the life and movement of the riverside community. The photographs will be available for sale and a limited selection will remain at the Town Pier, for visitors to enjoy.
Two special events will accompany the exhibition, both are free to attend but pre-booking is required for the workshop as numbers are limited.
Q&A with Phil Fisk - Saturday 11 October 2pm
Phil Fisk will be interviewed by legendary Picture Editor Tony Bell, offering insight into his creative process and the stories behind the In Transit photographs
Lighting Workshop - Sunday 12 October 2pm
A practical session led by Phil, sharing techniques and tips on photographic lighting, hosted in the Town Pier’s unique River Room.
Free to attend but pre-booking is required - for further info/booking email phil@philfisk.com
Silverhand Estate - Cork & Carve
Silverhand Estate, Luddesdown, DA13 0XE
Join Silverhand Estate from 6:00pm at the Cellar Door for a charming evening of seasonal artistry and sparkling indulgence.
Immerse yourself in the warmth of autumn as you carve and paint your chosen pumpkin, accompanied by a glass of finest Silver Reign or Silver Reign Rosé—complimentary upon arrival.
All carving and painting materials will be thoughtfully provided. Simply select the pumpkin that speaks to your style; our curated selection varies in colour and size, with pricing as follows:
Small – £5
Medium – £7
Large – £10
The Unfettered Light
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
This exhibition brings together the luminous traditions of Diwali and Bandi Chhorh Dihara, two festivals that share the themes of light, freedom, and renewal. Through artworks created in art workshops at the Sri Guru Nanak Gurdwara Wellness Centre, it explores how light has long been a universal symbol of hope—guiding us from darkness to illumination, from confinement to liberation.
Visitors are invited to experience a space alive with colour, pattern, and storytelling. Stained Glass, textiles, and ceramic pieces shine with the energy of shared creativity, celebrating both heritage and imagination. Each artwork reflects not only the cultural significance of these festivals, but also the joy of making together—bridging traditions, generations, and communities.
At its heart, this exhibition is a reminder that light continues to inspire, connect, and liberate. It is a celebration of resilience, freedom, and the enduring power of collective creativity.
The Forgotten Dead Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
It's 1878. A paddle steamer carrying 800 day trippers leaves Gravesend. It never makes it home. Blueprint Arts are developing an immersive performance resurrecting a tragedy long drowned in the Thames. Come along to our community exhibition featuring original artwork, costume, and sound archives from the piece.
Paper Quilling Workshop with Mona Whitton
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join us to learn the technique to this ancient art form.
In this workshop you will work with pre-cut papers, learning how to coil and fold them into a variety of different shapes, before assembling them together into a picture of your choice.
Suitable for ages 16+ years
Workshops must be booked in advance. 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 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.
Paper Quilling Workshop with Mona Whitton
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
Join us to learn the technique to this ancient art form.
In this workshop you will work with pre-cut papers, learning how to coil and fold them into a variety of different shapes, before assembling them together into a picture of your choice.
Suitable for ages 16+ years
Workshops must be booked in advance. 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 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.
Gravesend Grammar School Art Exhibition
St George’s Arts Centre, St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend
The Art department at Gravesend Grammar School are pleased to be able to display work from our 2025 cohort of GCSE and A Level Artists.
These students have worked over 2 years to create work which expresses their individuality and communicates their ideas.
The exhibition will display work from the current Year 13 students who are part way through their journey as artists.