Hotel ballroom gives artists 'space and voice'

A week-long arts festival showcasing creative talent from across Thanet is taking place in the 110-year-old ballroom of the Walpole Bay Hotel in Margate.

Island Arts Festival, which runs until 24 October, features paintings, books, music, talks and performances by artists, writers and musicians living and working in Thanet.

Organisers said the free festival grew out of a series of smaller author and artist events held at the hotel over the past four years, expanding into a wider celebration of Thanet's creative community.

Hotel owner Jane Bishop said it gave local artists "a space and a voice".

Events planned during the week include a writers' seminar, a children's storytelling session, readings from the works of Charles Dickens, a pottery and ceramics class, talks on health through singing and an open mic session for musicians.

Festival organiser Richard Savin said the event developed from a series of annual author and artist gatherings held at the hotel and had grown "organically" into an annual arts festival in Margate's Cliftonville area, showcasing artists working and living on the Isle of Thanet.

He said he hoped the festival would make a "modest addition" to the area's arts community by encouraging interest in literature, music, painting, poetry and performance art.

Bishop said the earlier events "grew wings" and developed into a week-long arts festival.

She said her "Napery Gallery" is also on display, featuring napkins that have been turned into artworks by guests who have stayed at the hotel.

They include two by Tracey Emin, who lives and works in Margate, and has championed her hometown and formed a creative community there, the hotel owner added.

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