Jonathan Shaw, Minister for the South East says thank you to unsung champions helping the arts in the region.
Minister Jonathan Shaw with some of the Cultural Champions from the South East
A select number of residents from across the South East have been identified as “Cultural Champions”. They will attend a celebratory reception at The Historic Dockyards Chatham, where Jonathan Shaw MP alongside Arts & Business, will publically acknowledge and thank them for their outstanding cultural support.
The arts cannot survive without the support of thousands of people who are generously giving their time, expertise and money to make culture thrive in the UK. Today we will celebrate all those individuals who have given dedicated support to their local arts scene.
Arts organisations both big and small in the South East have stepped forward to recognise these crucial individuals. Support can come in many forms from giving time, offering business acumen, donating funds or even helping with archiving.
For the Deal Festival of Music and Arts, Graham Harvey works tirelessly with music in the community. He directs two bands as well as running an annual singing festival for primary schools and a music competition for young musicians. He has also helped to create a new community recording studio and performing space.
Penny Bearman, a well-known local artist, also devotes time and energy to support Deal Festival, working with children on numerous creative art projects and most recently painting murals on hoardings in Deal High Street.
In Maidstone Jon Adams, a disability artist, supports and guides emerging artists. He donates his time and is a tireless advocate for Dada-South, the South-East's development agency for disabled and deaf artists.
As a volunteer Dr Greenhow has been supporting the Watts Gallery in Guildford for five years. During this time she has acted as a steward, documented and scanned archives, transcribed precious Victorian diaries and helped with the cost of conservation.
Ken Miller is also a long-term supporter of the Watts Gallery and has been offering financial advice and assistance since 2004. An international businessman Ken Miller has been the architect of the financial strategy for Watts Gallery, supporting its bids to the Heritage Lottery Fund, advising on its investment portfolio and supporting the Director and Trustees in financial strategy and governance.
Ken has helped to prepare project proposals for funders and contributed to the Watts Gallery’s five year business plan. His help and expertise have been invaluable to the Gallery during a period of growth and change.
Viv Colvill of the Freewheelers Theatre Company, a Leatherhead-based company for people with and without disabilities, works tirelessly as a volunteer and is involved in everything from fundraising and event management to organising travel.
In Swale Nicole Mollett and Jenny Hurkett are working to develop heritage and tourism in and around the Isle of Sheppey. They manage film screenings, conduct tours of heritage attractions for tourists and bring challenging, exciting and innovative art to the residents.
Across the region the arts have had immense support from individuals from all walks of life and at all levels. From vast capital donations to stuffing envelopes, the arts organisations of the South East are richer, and more successful for the contributions made by local residents.
Active Swale, Actors of Dionysus, Arts and Heritage in Swale, Bloco Fogo, Chichester Arts & Heritage Partnership, Community Arts Angmering, Creative Community in Swale, Dada-South, Deal Festival of Music and the Arts, Embroiderers' Guild, Farleys Yard Trust, Heritage in Swale, Hillview School for Girls, The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent Arts Development Unit, Mole Valley Arts Alive Festival, New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth, Portsmouth Festivities, Sheppey Matters, The Freewheelers Theatre Company, The Mary Rose Trust, University for the Creative Arts, Watts Gallery and Woking Dance Festival
Our Cultural Champions from the South East