Christmas Crafts First Friday, a brand-new Quiet Reading Club, and an award-winning poet in our midst
Plus a bumper edition of what's on, and writer grants, awards and opportunities
Christmas Crafts… and First Friday in Margate (and beyond)
Come along to our annual festive get-together and try your hand at a variety of crafts with our local crafters and makers – including craft wreaths and making gift tags on the printer press from Dan Thompson Studio.
It’s going to be a fun-filled, festive evening celebrating the wonderful year we’ve had here at Marine Studios CIC and the Writers’ Room, and raising a glass to all those who’ve been with us as we begin a new era. Bring a bottle or help yourself to a cuppa!
To find out about upcoming events visit our website; and if you have any questions about accessibility please read our accessibility statement.
There’s also an informal meet up at 4.30pm that same Friday for local space programmers, cafes and venue hosts about joining in with First Friday events across the town and into Thanet.
“First Friday is an opportunity to shout about your events, gallery openings, late shopping or venue activities, contributing to Margate and the Isle of Thanet being a destination for a great evening out on the First Friday of each month.”
Please email Jenny Duff jenny@marinestudios.co.uk for more details
The talented team behind the Writers’ Room!
Many of you will know Connor Sansby and Jessica Taggart Rose who co-run the Writers’ Room here at Marine Studios. They’re not always great at shouting about just how brilliant they are, but as well as doing all the fundraising for the Writers’ Room and supporting local writers, they are both doing superb things in their own writing careers.
Connor has just wrapped co-curating a successful two days at Poeticon, the South-East’s biggest literary convention, and has also – we’re very proud – been announced as the winner of the 2024 The Rosemary McLeish Poetry Prize! And Jess? Jess is publishing her debut poetry book, and we couldn’t be more excited. Her book is a bilingual collaboration with translator Claire Durand-Gasselin and published by Elte at The New Menard Press. You’re all invited to the launch at Tom Thumb Theatre (see What’s On).
Looking back: AI
At our November First Friday, we were excited to welcome Genetic Moo and Geekery, who were each huge advocates for having at go using AI yourself – particularly if you want to join in the conversation about its pros and cons. We heard from Nicole Schauererman about all the different (ever-changing) AI image generators and how they can inspire creative work, and from Tim Pickup who demonstrated ongoing research on how good AI is at writing and interpreting software code (not that good – yet!). And finally, Matt Mapleston explained that the bedrock of all AI systems is binary (0’s and 1’s…), oh and that AI will shortly surpass human intelligence and leave humans far, far behind. Thanks Matt.
And last but not least, Connor Sansby became a cyborg by having a sub dermal NFC microchip implanted in his hand. Ouch,
Writing opportunities
Developing your Creative Practice grants
Arts Council England provides funding to support individuals who are cultural and creative practitioners and want to take time to focus on their creative development. Applications are now open and this round closes at noon on 12th December. See online here.
Faber Action! Prize
Faber launches the Action! Prize in direct response to research from the National Literacy Trust that reveals children’s reading enjoyment is at its lowest level in almost two decades, and that the problem is most acute for boys. They are calling for fast-paced and filmic, action-packed adventure stories, and offer a publishing contract to the three winners. Closes 30th January 2025, for details see here.
Propel Magazine
Propel Magazine accepts submissions from poets based in the UK or Ireland who have yet to publish their first full-length poetry collection. Submissions are now open for the January edition (closes 30th November). See details online here.
What’s on?
For details of all the monthly Marine Studios Writers’ Room groups (Margate Fiction Writers; Margate Stanza; Writer’s Block; Where to Start Writing…) please see the website here and for information about accessibility at any of our Marine Studios events see here.
NEW: The Quiet Reading Group
12th December, 9th January, 13th February, 6–8.30pm / Marine Studios
A brand-new super relaxed evening for introverts and anyone seeking a bit of peace or a regular time for reading. Bring a book, find a comfy seat, have a cuppa and read – and feel free to say hello to fellow readers at the tea and coffee station (but only if you want to!).
Free to attend
Dan Thompson’s Seaside History Club
Thursday 21st November), 7pm / Marine Studios
A new monthly event for Marine Studios, with guest speakers, performers, and exhibits that explores the history of seaside towns and just what makes them special.
Pay What You Want (suggested £5)
Mindful Mondays
Monday 25th November (no session in December), 6–7pm / Marine Studios
Set up by Ed @queerwellbeingthanet, sessions will be a mix of mindfulness exercises, breathing and meditation exercises as well as group chats about common topics such as anxiety, work stress, and struggling with being ourselves. Expect kindness, empathy, snacks and tea & coffee! Suggested donation of £5, or free (no questions asked). Sessions are open to LGBTQ+ folk as well as allies.
Email hello@edgarveylong.com or RSVP on Instagram
Margate Bookshop Bookclub
Wednesday 27th November, 6.30pm / Fort Road Hotel
Join Margate Bookshop Bookclub for this month’s discussion on Tremor by Teju Cole.
Free to attend
Book launch: The River Has No Colour
Thursday 5th December / Tom Thumb Theatre
Jess Rose is launching her debut poetry pamphlet collection, The River Has No Colour, which explores the relationships between the human and non-human, between past and present, between water and sky. The evening will feature poets Maggie Harris, Poppy Cockburn and Kat Peddie, and musicians Daidy Beau and Charlie Hannah.
Free to attend
First Friday: Christmas Crafts
Friday 6th December, 6–9pm / Marine Studios
Come along to our annual festive get together to try your hand at a variety of crafts and raise a glass to 2024! Bring a bottle or help yourself to a cuppa.
Free to attend
Brighter Days Markets
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December, 10am–4pm / Turner Contemporary
Features lots of talented makers with lovely products, ideal for Christmas gifting.
Free to attend / More information on Instagram