Heritage Lab teams up with the Ramsgate Arts Barge
19 November 2020
Heritage Lab CIC has joined forces with the Ramsgate Arts Barge CIC, to turn a 130-year old, 51-metre Dutch barge into a floating arts space to benefit the Ramsgate community and its visitors.
Ramsgate Arts Barge CIC purchased the vessel earlier this year and has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise vital funds to begin the renovation of the Dutch barge ‘Vriendschap’ – Dutch for friendship – into a waterfront family-friendly community arts hub for all.
There’s still time to get yourself some goodies and support the Crowdfunding campaign here.
Kevin O’Connor, Co-Director of Ramsgate Arts Barge CIC, said: “In these challenging times, the project aims to create much-needed good news, unite the community and create an incredible arts space in the heart of Ramsgate. We are thrilled to have already received registrations for over 100 volunteers who are ready to get involved with the scheme.”
Although COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the arts sector across the country, the barge aims to open in September 2021, in time for Ramsgate’s 200thyear celebrations of being the UK’s only Royal Harbour, granted by King George IV in 1821.
The project will create 400 square metres of multi-faceted arts, events and performance space. There are plans already in place for the space to host a year-round diverse offering of artistic events including visual arts, exhibitions, comedy, theatre, art installations, music, cabaret, film screenings, spoken word, poetry, debates, talks and community events.
In addition, a wide range of child and adult-friendly art courses, classes and workshops will also be available.