About Creative Folkestone - Creative Folkestone

Creative Folkestone is an arts charity with a bold ambition: to make Folkestone a better place to live, work and visit through creativity. We believe that art can transform lives, shape communities and help us imagine new futures.

Since 2002, we have led a creative journey of change. With support from The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, we began as the Creative Foundation. Today, we are Creative Folkestone, and we continue to lead with purpose.

Our work brings people together, supports talent and drives long-term transformation across the town and beyond.We are proud to show what is possible when creativity meets leadership.

We are ambitious. We work with artists, communities and partners to create bold new ideas and excellent experiences for all.

Creative Folkestone runs six major projects that show our commitment to excellence:

Folkestone Triennial: The UK’s largest exhibition of newly commissioned public art. Every three years, artists from around the world transform Folkestone with new artworks that respond to the town and inspire global conversations.
Folkestone Artworks: The UK’s largest urban outdoor collection of contemporary art. With over 70 artworks by world-class artists like Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Lubaina Himid, this free collection shows how art can enrich public space every day of the year.
Quarterhouse: A vibrant performing arts venue at the heart of the community. Quarterhouse presents a programme of theatre, music, film, talks and festivals. It is a place where new ideas take shape and where excellence is celebrated on stage and behind the scenes.
The Creative Quarter: A thriving area filled with studios, homes, shops and galleries. We look after over 90 buildings, enabling hundreds of creatives to live, work and grow. This area is a leading example of how culture can lead town centre renewal.
Folkestone Book Festival: Each November, we host inspiring writers and thinkers who explore the shape of things to come. This ambitious and forward-thinking festival is rooted in the town’s rich literary history and looks to the future with fresh ideas.
Prospect Cottage: The former home of artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman. We care for this iconic site and continue Jarman’s legacy by supporting artistic excellence and queer cultural heritage.

We believe everyone should have the chance to be creative. That is why we offer a wide range of learning and engagement activities for families, schools, young people and adults. From free workshops to creative careers programmes, we help people grow their skills and confidence. By supporting the next generation, we lead with care and vision. We champion creativity as a tool for change and invest in the people who will shape the future.