D.I.Y. First Friday; Refugee Week; a new collage club plus writer events and opportunities

See what's coming up in June from Marine Studios and the Writers' Room

First Friday: Do It Yourself

Join us at Marine Studios for an evening of D.I.Y. publishing for June's First Friday on 6 June. Make your own zines, badges and vegetable block prints. Share your D.I.Y. hacks and browse our protest posters and zine collections – there will also be a taster of the new monthly collage club coming soon to Marine Studios! All welcome, BYO snacks and drinks.

First Fridays (est. 2009) are fun, playful, and involve hands-on activities to explore an idea. This event is FREE and no tickets is required – just show up on the night.

Accessibility: find out about this event and space by reading our access statement.

Action for refugees at Marine Studios

It’s been a year of action for refugees at Marine Studios. You might remember the Undertow projections at Turner Contemporary, conceived by Dr Kat Lewis at Marine Studios with support from the Writers’ Room and Dan Thompson Studio.

We have contributed to Cllr Rob Yates’ guide for refugees, including writing a Welcome To Margate introduction.

And this month, Dan Thompson Studio delivered Journeys of Hope – a map made by young people from around the world, commissioned by Dr Rachel Gregory Fox, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, School of Humanities, University of Kent working with Kent Refugee Action Network.

Coming up for Refugee Week in June, ARK and artist Susanne Hakuba are running a workshop here with support from Marine Studios. On Sunday 22nd June, participants will use photography and collage to help create a group ’zine. See events, below.

Did you know we have two libraries?

We've got a couple of wonderful libraries here at Marine Studios, a main reference library and a poetry library in our Writers' Room. The reference library embraces subjects ranging from art and design to philosophy, history and travel, and much else beyond. The poetry library contains copies of Poetry Review, Magma and other poetry magazines, as well as collections and anthologies from classic to contemporary poets.

Desk holders can borrow books, but visitors are always welcome to peruse, too. Please email info@marinestudios.co.uk to arrange a visit (we have comfy chairs and tea/coffee). This month’s profile of books from the Marine Studios library is by Dan Thompson:

Community Capitalism by Rob Kitchens is in our library’s “Ideas” section. It looks at how a different model of business, not-for-profit, local government and individuals can work together in places that global capitalism has failed. A few good lessons for Margate in there!

Permanent desk available – plus flexible hot desks and meeting rooms

We've always been a place that nurtures people and supports new projects, so we love it when people fly our nest. But it does mean we have a desk available right now! We're an interesting group at Marine Studios – designers, architects, community activists, writers, musicians, poets, and more.

As a studio, we have an interest in climate justice, and the impact of the creative industries locally. We run a public programme, with events for writers and our regular First Friday. We have a permanent desk space available at the moment (£100/month - easy in/easy out terms), as well as hot-desking and meeting rooms for hire (you can reserve your space using our online booking system.)

Any questions? Get in touch at info@marinestudios.co.uk

Writing jobs and opportunities

Bookmark Reading Charity

Bookmark Reading Charity promote reading for children, particularly in disadvantaged communities. They are looking for a Marketing and Communications Executive to join their team (two days a week in London). Find out more and apply.

Faber’s FAB Prize

Open to unpublished children’s book authors from a Black, Asian or non-white global majority ethnic background, the FAB Prize aims to discover and showcase new talent. Find out more and apply.

Royal Society of Literature Short Story Award

A £1000 prize is up for grabs in the Royal Society of Literature’s V.S. Pritchett short story award. There are 50 low-income entries available. Find out more and apply.

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 events page on the Marine Studios website.

Accessibility: for all events and meetings at Marine Studios, read our access statement.

First Friday: Do It Yourself
Friday 6th June, 6–9pm / Marine Studios
Join us at Marine Studios on Friday 2nd May for First Friday as we enjoy an evening of D.I.Y. publishing.
Free to attend

Refugee Week: Creative Workshop
Sunday 22nd June, 2.30–5.30pm / Marine Studios
A creative workshop from ARK and supported by Marine Studios that uses photography and collage to explore Margate and what makes it a good place to live. Participants will be paired to share and capture each other’s favourite places, turning their photos into unique collages which will help create a group ‘zine. No previous experience necessary – just curiosity and openness. Cameras and materials provided.
Free to attend / Tickets online at ARK

Cut. Stick. Press.
Tuesday 24th June, 6.30–9.00pm / Marine Studios

Amateurs unite at this new monthly collage club from Daisy Beau and Jessica Taggart Rose, hosted by Marine Studios. We'll provide the materials and an inspiring setting with sea views. You bring your collage ideas and we'll settle in for two hours of cutting, sticking and pressing together. All levels of experience welcome. This is a fun and mindful activity so come along and give it a try (you can also find us for a taster at First Friday on 6 June). Email jessicataggartrose@gmail.com with any questions or just show up!
Suggested donation £3 for materials, tea/coffee.