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supporting and nurturing our diverse community

Westcoast Kent CIC is increasingly recognised as the go to organisation for the development of events and arts-led programming in Margate and across Thanet. See what some of our partners say about their experience of working with us.

“We are really excited about the development of Olby’s Creative Hub, and what this means for the area. Our partnership is based on a shared vision for young people in Thanet and together we want to see learning opportunities and employment pathways open up through meaningful collaboration. When the young people we work with go to Olby’s they are able to access industry standard facilities, where they can test and showcase their creativity. The importance of this space, and the community driven ethos there cannot be underestimated. 2021 is going to be an exciting year, the first of many to come!” Oliver Briggs, Managing Director, Arts Education Exchange

“It was only in July 2020 when we were offered support for the production of the film Freedom Road that I became fully aware of the work that Eli, Clare and their team are doing through Westcoast Kent CIC. With first rate recording facilities, green screen and multiple cameras, nothing was too much trouble…everyone was willing to go that extra mile to make sure we were able to achieve a really professional result. It’s initiatives like this that really make a difference to the town. Not only does this hub provide a space for people to create and learn, more importantly it  provides a supportive environment which encourages all who use it to aim high and believe that they too can realise their dream.” Jan Ryan, Director, UK Arts International

“Turner Contemporary approached Westcoast Kent CIC to be the main delivery partner for a digital skills project the gallery will be running for those currently out of employment. We have been impressed by the facilities, expertise and enthusiasm of the team and the collaborative process in devising the training placements in response to our brief. We are very much looking forward to working with WestCoast Kent CIC on this and hope to continue to do so beyond the life of this project.” Jennifer Scott, Learning & Engagement Manager, Turner Contemporary 

“Working with the team at Westcoast Kent CIC has been a wonderful experience. They gave one hundred percent from the first enquiry to completion of the job. The facilities are outstanding. We used green screen for filming, the recording suite for vocals and narration and benefitted from the expert production skills of Eli that produced a polished sound that we may not have achieved otherwise. The cherry on top of an already fantastic cake is the location. Situated across the road from Turner Contemporary, Margate right on the seafront…all signs lead to Westcoast!” Sabina Desir, Artistic Director, Freedom Road Project Ltd

“Westcoast Kent CIC are friendly, professional and really great people to work with.  With everything you need to produce a fantastic show, from excellent lighting to extensive sound equipment, you can feel confident that you’re going to get good results in a live setting, or a recorded one. As an artist I felt looked after and comfortable –  and the food from Olby’s is a treat!” Kai Hoffman, Singer/Bandleader

“We teach dance classes and DJ, and began working with Westcoast Kent CIC in 2017, using their venue to deliver Swing Dance lessons, DJ gigs and monthly dance events. We are currently creating a series of TV shows which will be released via Olby’s TV. We have always been impressed by the can-do attitude and technical ability of Eli and his team, which makes working at the venue a pleasure; and their obvious commitment to promoting and working with the local community is inspiring.” Jerome Anderson & Lindsay Rodham

“Since becoming a councillor three years ago I’ve worked with Westcoast Kent CIC through my contacts, Eli Thompson and Clare Hollister. Like myself they are interested in their local community and are brilliant ambassadors for Margate.” Barry Lewis, Kent County Councillor for Margate

“Clare and Eli have provided wonderful support for my project, from helping me to adapt the event to the constraints of the coronavirus pandemic with an online exhibition, to planning the post-Covid live event. Westcoast Kent CIC has the resources, contacts and know-how to put on and promote such a multimedia event. Its actual location perfectly suits putting on an event which involves a diverse set of activities such as an exhibition, video and audio displays, discussions, interviews and live performance.” Dr Christopher Anderson, Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, Canterbury Christ Church University

“The Westcoast Kent CIC team is committed to working for the community of Thanet and does so with passion, care and creativity. Their innovation and positivity over the past year in particular has been a complete joy to be around and has lifted my spirits on so many occasions. They’ve tackled the restrictions head on and have diversified their business, not for their own benefit, but for the benefit of the people in our area. They’re developing facilities which will be instrumental in supporting the talents of young people in Margate and beyond.” Rebecca Thomas, beckyismyname.co.uk