Culture

The activities of Turner Contemporary and the development of a new gallery, designed by David Chipperfield Architects Ltd winners of the 2007 RIBA Stirling Prize for Architecture, are at the forefront of Margate’s cultural renaissance. The promise of the new gallery for Turner Contemporary, scheduled to open in 2011, has led to the emergence of a vibrant creative sector in Margate’s beautiful and historic Old Town, directly adjacent to the site of the new gallery.

In recent years, many new creative businesses have been established or relocated into the Old Town. A great deal of work and investment continues to be focussed on this specific area to create the right environment to attract and sustain a flourishing creative sector. In anticipation of the opening of Turner Contemporary, art and crafts shops, galleries, specialist food outlets, restaurants and bars are moving into the area.  The majority are independent traders and collectively, they are creating a unique retail offer.

For those that enjoy the performing arts, Margate can proudly boast the second oldest theatre in the country with the wonderfully intimate Theatre Royal and one of the world's smallest theatres with the sixty-seat Tom Thumb Theatre.

The nurturing of this environment, and the businesses that it attracts, alongside the development of the new gallery and Dreamland are all mutually beneficial. Together they are broadening Margate's offer and redefining the town for residents and visitors alike.

Margate Arts, Creativity, Heritage (MACH)

Margate throws open the doors to many of its historic buildings and sites, as part of Heritage Open Days from 9 – 12 September 2010.