By

Jemma Channing

A series of resting in the development of a community manifesto.

The Margate Manifesto was a series of workshops and activities resulting in the development of a Margate Manifesto. This project was commissioned by MargateNOW - an annual town wide festival of arts supported with funding by Arts Council England. The workshops focused on discussion about what people wanted to see happening in their town. Margate is an unusual town comprised of multiple communities with a strong creative scene. Despite arts based regeneration increasing economic activity in the area, pervasive social issues such as health inequalities, poor housing and high unemployment continue to influence the day to day life of the town and it's residents. This project aimed to highlight the issues affecting individuals and their hopes for the future regardless of their background. Workshops were carried out with local organisations, including those supporting people with learning disabilities and people living with a diagnosis of a mental health condition alongside open workshops. An online questionnaire provided a way to participate without attending a group. The discussions and creative work was bought together in a manifesto, which was performed throughout town and displayed in public spaces such as supermarkets, shops, galleries, libraries and other businesses.

“I love this, reading it made me cry...”

— Participant

The Margate Manifesto

This manifesto was written by the people of Margate, and sets out a vision for the town. That all those in Margate whether visitor or resident, temporary or permanent, transient caller or perpetual inhabitant are welcome on streets, regardless of where you came from, who you love, what you believe, what generation you belong to, what gender you identify as or what your abilities are. We are all equal here.

Margate will have transparency in local government with a straightforward process for engaging residents in the decisions that will affect their lives. Participatory budgeting and collective decision making is to be made standard practice. A worthwhile open dialogue will exist between the public and our local government, we will empower each other to advocate for ourselves and each other. All humans that want to participate will be supported to participate. The leaders of the town to lead the way, to bring unity into the community.

The people that live in and visit Margate have a right to equal accessibility to all aspects of the town, from pavements and pathways, to exhibitions and parties, let everyone in. We will continue to innovate and create environments where everyone is made to feel welcome, comfortable and safe. A supportive infrastructure for everyone, so that everywhere is accessible whatever your needs. We will take notice of the needs of others and support one another.

Climate change is real and our coastal environment will be honoured and respect. Our beloved beaches shall be kept clean, our green spaces protected and recycling schemes made available in every street. We will make civic pride cool again. So pick up your litter, reduce, reuse and repurpose. Learn about our coast and invest in its future. We are part of the ecosystem that we need to protect. Loving the earth is an act of self love.

Our thriving creative community will be lovingly nurtured and in turn respect the space it holds. Art is a symbiotic process, we can break the gentrification game. Invite your neighbourhood to the private view, put on plays in public spaces, promote the unconventional, continue to make art accessible and give everyone an opportunity to pour their soul into a creative process. Paint up old buildings, exhibit on the beach, break the mould of one size fits all arts-based regeneration and work together to create a meaningful change that connects the heritage of Margate with it’s contemporary identity.

Encourage the establishment of renegade bedfellows, remarkable partnerships and extraordinary alliances. We have so much more in common than that which divides us.

Margate has always been a place where people come to get well, a place of asylum and convalescence. We will lead the way in caring for others. We will provide refuge for those who need it. We will keep the town well by supporting each other.

Say hello to your neighbours. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been here or where you come from. We are here in Margate now and that is all that matters. We are all connected by the skies and the beach and the deep, blue, ice cold, North sea. This is a home for all of us, this is everyone belongs. It does not matter why you are here. If you are looking for a new start, or a place to call your own, if you’re looking for love or meaning or just the perfect fish and chips. You are here in Margate now and that is all that matters.

More information: www.jemmachanning.co.uk

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Jemma Channing

Jemma is a socially engaged artist working in multiple mediums including textiles, illustration and print. The main focus of her practice is co production with communities. She has a particular interest in arts for health as well as using the arts for social change. She works in partnership with communities and organisations to produce work, and particularly value the input of people who would not normally consider themselves artists. She is always looking out for new ways to engage individuals and communities with creative practices which will enhance their wellbeing, give them a positive experience and give them a stake in their communities.

www.jemmachanning.co.uk