Gravesham Arts Council (The Arts Council) came into being in 1968 as a result of a request from the Gravesham Borough Council (GBC) for such a body to be set up. The Arts Council is an umbrella and liaison organisation for all arts and cultural interests in the Borough of Gravesham. Currently it has a membership of approximately 30 organisations and several individual members.

The Arts Council receives funding from Gravesham Borough Council. Funding is available to help individuals and organisations within the Borough. Applications for sponsorship are considered by the Executive Committee and are generally awarded to support events, purchase equipment or assist in study fees.

The Arts Council is managed by an Executive Committee comprising of member society representatives, Gravesham Borough Council members and officers. All officers of the Arts Council are unpaid volunteers.

The Arts Council is responsible for the day to day running of the St Andrew’s Arts Centre. It is used for exhibitions, rehearsals, meetings and small concerts. It’s open for use to the members of the Arts Council and general public alike.

The Arts Council currently runs three major annual events: the Gravesham Festival of Music and Speech in March, the Gravesham Art Competition and Exhibition in July and the Gravesham Arts Festival from the end of October to the end of November. The Arts Council also participates in the Discover Gravesham fortnight, and other community based events in the Borough.

Membership of the Arts Council is open to all interested in the arts and cultural activities in the Borough and welcomes a wide membership so that the art and culture of Gravesham can be made known to a wider audience.

For more details and membership forms please contact: 01474 814554 or 01474 326140