Thanet Experimental is a project aiming to provide free exhibition space in Thanet, as well as collaborate to promote art by Thanet residents and those with close ties to the area. We want this to be a testing ground – available for one-off exhibitions and shows, works-in-progress, research residencies and for the kinds of work that isn’t going to, or isn’t supposed to, make any money.
Independent galleries and studios have costs – they have to pay their rent like everyone else, and everyone in Thanet is working on a shoe-string. However, the cost of hiring space can severely limit who can create and exhibit, and what they can create and exhibit. Since 2025, we have been partnering with galleries and studios in Ramsgate and Margate who have space available between shows, or who we can pay through crowdfunding and donations to rent their space for short periods on behalf of artists.
We put out semi-regular open calls once we have secured enough funds to be able to make this provision available.
2025 Round-up
In our first year – thanks to donations, offers and work-in-kind – we were able to fund:
- 6 solo exhibitions including a first ever exhibition
- 2 group exhibitions/events
- 2 art fairs
- 2 research residencies
- 3 independent small galleries for exhibition periods
- 32 artists in total from Thanet and East Kent
