Windows of Opportunity Project

This project focuses on how Margate can change to support a new ‘niche’ shopping experience, particularly aimed at the High Street and ‘The Centre’.   The hope is that by using the Creative Industry; interest may be stimulated into some of Margate’s empty shops being leased, whilst at the same time creating attractive and vibrant shop-fronts.   

During this project, the artists took a 3 week residency in a disused shop unit.  The public were asked to fill in postcards saying what sort of shop they would like to see on the High Street and the resulting window designs are of those shops, most desired, by the people of Margate.  Regional artists 'Total Pap' have created vibrant yet representative images of shops that could be in Margate e.g. Delicatessen, Wet Fish Shop, Cake Shop, Ice Cream Parlour, Hardware Shop, etc, through large-scale papier-mache images, made into an enclosed window display and lit for maximum impact.

According to the National Association of Window Dressers, window displays account for 75%+ of people going in to shops to spend their money.  In this case the project uses window-dressing to 'draw-in' new shop-keepers and encourage them to think out of the box and focus on what people would really like to see.  The project featured in The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/feb/18/slack-space-vacant-shops and received national interest from other councils and the Media in general.

The use of the 'Margate Renewal Partnership' branding colours illustrates how MRP are supporting local business and working in partnership with local developers in the current social-economic climate.  Business Developers, Waterbridge carried out the vinyl coating to the shop windows and hosted the artists in a temporary studio.  They are continuing to work with MRP & Arts Development on further creative projects.

To lease any of the above shops, contact: Mike McCarrick on 07876 210159

If you are looking at starting up a business in Thanet, the following support is available:

Business Link Kent

Whether you are thinking of starting a business, run an existing business that wants to grow or need advice on how to deal with business issues, challenges or opportunities, Business Link can help.

Tel: +44 (0)845 600 9066

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast 

Enterprise Gateway East Kent

The Gateway is a network of people and organisations that come together to provide a complete range of services and support designed to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs and young companies.

Tel: +44 (0) 1304 827446

Web: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast