KENTSTAYCATION
inside THE BUSINESS :
CREATIVE FOLKESTONE
FABULOUSLY FOLKESTONE
SINCE 2002 , CREATIVE FOLKESTONE HAS BEEN TRANSFORMING THE TOWN INTO AN INSPIRING PLACE TO LIVE , WORK AND PLAY . FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS , THIS VISIONARY ARTS CHARITY HAS DELIVERED PROJECTS AND EVENTS TO CREATE A VIBRANT PLACE ON THE KENT COAST .
Folkestone Triennial is one of Creative Folkestone ' s most popular projects . Folkestone Triennial is one of the largest exhibitions of newly commissioned work in the UK . Internationally recognised artists are invited to use the town as their gallery , creating striking new artworks that reflect issues affecting the town and the wider world . Since 2008 , Folkestone Triennial has attracted more than 600,000 visitors .
Following each Triennial , many artworks remain in the town . Around every corner in Folkestone , you will find art that has made the town an inspiring place . From rainbow beach huts to floating houses , tropical pavilions to magical portals , the Folkestone Artworks offer new perspectives on a changing town .
Looking for a night out ? Look no further than Quarterhouse . The purpose-built performing arts venue is home to live music , comedy , screenings and more . Quarterhouse Lates is the latest addition to a packed calendar of events . Quarterhouse Lates is a night of music highlighting the best and emerging talents from across the county every Friday .
Quarterhouse is also home to one of the UK ' s longest running and well-respected book festivals . Every autumn Folkestone Book Festival creates a space for conversation , debate , and reflection for book lovers and bibliophiles . This November , Folkestone Book Festival will return with new curators at the helm who have been tasked with presenting a roster of events that will create light in the dark winter months .
At the heart of it all is Folkestone ’ s Creative Quarter . Creative Folkestone has restored more than 80 buildings to create a thriving hub for artists , makers , and creatives . The artist studios , offices , shops , and eateries of the Creative Quarter have become one of Kent ’ s leading destinations and most vibrant communities . This summer , Creative Folkestone will celebrate the Creative Quarter with Open Quarter from Friday 23 to Sunday 25 June . The three-day event will include the new Creative Quarter Art Market , which takes place on the last Saturday of every month .
The work of Creative Folkestone extends beyond the town and across the region through festivals and projects including Prospect Cottage . Following a successful campaign to save the cottage for the nation , Creative Folkestone became custodians of the former home and sanctuary of artist , filmmaker , gay rights activist and gardener Derek Jarman . Offering limited public tours and a creative residency programme , Prospect Cottage now remains a special place for people in Dungeness .
Folkestone is a town bursting with creativity and heritage . Combined with its stunning coastal setting it is clear to see why it was included as part of Lonely Planet ’ s list of the World ' s Best Regions to Visit last year . This is a town that is only just getting started and thanks in part to the work of Creative Folkestone there is an exciting year ahead for the town and this part of Kent .
www . creativefolkestone . org . uk
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