I am pleased to welcome Art Council England’s huge increase in allocated funding for Dover’s Future Foundry.
Future Foundry helps young people develop their creativity through projects that represent themselves and their local communities. By bringing young people together with others in their communities that can help them progress, creating connections, and a can-do attitude, skills for the future are forged.
This welcome investment of £525,000 from Art Council England is almost double the amount compared to previous investments, bringing growth and creative opportunities to Dover over a three-year period.
Last year, The Arts Council recognised Dover as a priority place due to its cultural and creative potential, recognition I warmly welcomed at the time of our rich historic heritage and active arts community.
Dover also boasts projects such as Dover smART, another organisation that supports and provides opportunities for young people, encouraging them to take part in a wide range of creative ventures. Dover smART project was awarded £230,000 in grants in 2020 and 2021 to support their projects in the community.
I welcome this investment into Dover, this support will help deliver more creative opportunities for everyone in the area and I am delighted to see the benefits that art and creativity can bring to those in need which would not be possible without vital funding to see these projects through.