Creative Tunbridge Wells: A Creative Sector Catalyst

Connecting creativity with opportunity in Tunbridge Wells. We support and celebrate local talent and initiatives. Together, we can shape a future where creativity and innovation thrive.

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A Cultural Compact, developed by Arts Council England, is a strategic partnership aimed at invigorating the creative sector. Tunbridge Wells embodies this vision as the first town in England to adopt this innovative model.

Our mission at Creative Tunbridge Wells is not just to champion but to actively support the thriving creative industries in our community.

We’re dedicated to being a dynamic force for positive change and strategic collaboration.

Creative Tunbridge Wells is a pioneering partnership within the creative sector, functioning independently yet collaboratively with key stakeholders like the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. This unique collaboration positions us to effectively champion the creative and cultural interests of Tunbridge Wells.

There are a number of Cultural Compacts, funded by Arts Council England, across England – Tunbridge Wells is the first town to have one. Join us on this exciting journey to accentuate and rejuvenate the creative landscape of Tunbridge Wells. Explore our website to learn more, get involved, and become a part of this groundbreaking initiative.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, collaborative opportunities, and advocacy for the strategic growth and success of the local creative sector. Our key partners are existing creative sector businesses, community groups, freelancers, local and regional government, and cultural organisations.

Collaboration is at the heart of Creative Tunbridge Wells. Key partners include Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, Applause Rural Touring, and Arts Council England. Within the local council, CTW collaborates closely with both the Culture Team and the Economic Development Team to align efforts and maximise impact.

We are dedicated to serving this vibrant community of artists, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals in Tunbridge Wells.

Tunbridge Wells already has a thriving creative scene, brimming with talented artists, performers, writers, and digital creators. Through a diverse range of initiatives, Creative Tunbridge Wells is designed to empower local talent, drive innovation and foster collaboration. We will actively engage with these creatives to further cultivate a vibrant community.

We will do this in a number of ways:

Convenor: As Convenors, we unify diverse stakeholders within the Tunbridge Wells creative ecosystem, fostering collaboration and community. Our role is pivotal in creating a vibrant cultural network where wellbeing and quality of life are enhanced through the power of culture.

Champion: As Champions our aim is to elevate the profile of the Tunbridge Wells’ creative sector both regionally and nationally. We celebrate and publicise the achievements and innovations within our local creative communities, advocating for recognition and support to further their reach and impact.

Facilitator: As Facilitators, we streamline the growth of the region’s creative industries by enabling investments and supporting the development of essential infrastructure. Our focus is on making the creative sector more accessible and sustainable, aiding organisations and practitioners to thrive.

Catalyst: Acting as Catalysts, we ignite innovation and development within the creative and cultural industries. We are committed to unleashing the full potential of our creative communities, connecting talent with opportunities, and fostering a nurturing environment for cultural creation and expression.

Convenors

As Convenors, we unify diverse stakeholders within the Tunbridge Wells creative ecosystem, fostering collaboration and community. Our role is pivotal in creating a vibrant cultural network where wellbeing and quality of life are enhanced through the power of culture.

Champions

As Champions our aim is to elevate the profile of the Tunbridge Wells’ creative sector both regionally and nationally. We celebrate and publicise the achievements and innovations within our local creative communities, advocating for recognition and support to further their reach and impact.

Facilitators

As Facilitators, we streamline the growth of the region’s creative industries by enabling investments and supporting the development of essential infrastructure. Our focus is on making the creative sector more accessible and sustainable, aiding organisations and practitioners to thrive.

Catalysts

Acting as Catalysts, we ignite innovation and development within the creative and cultural industries. We are committed to unleashing the full potential of our creative communities, connecting talent with opportunities, and fostering a nurturing environment for cultural creation and expression.

Advertising and Marketing

In the vibrant world of creative industries, advertising and marketing is where creativity meets commercial strategy. They bring brands to life through innovative campaigns, blending art, technology, and persuasive narratives.

Architecture

As a cornerstone of the creative industries, architecture marries artistic vision with practical utility, shaping the spaces we live and work in. From awe-inspiring skyscrapers to eco-friendly homes, architects blend cultural expression with functional design.

Craft and Visual Arts

At the heart of the creative industries, crafts and visual arts celebrate the tactile and the tangible. Artists and artisans create unique works, ranging from sculptures and paintings to textiles and pottery, each piece a testament to personal expression and skill.

Design and Fashion

The design and fashion realms are the epitome of style meeting functionality within the creative industries. From sleek consumer products to cutting-edge fashion collections, these fields blend aesthetics with innovation, setting trends and defining cultural narratives.

Film, TV, Video, Radio, and Photography

The storytelling power of film, TV, video, radio, and photography is a driving force in the creative industries. These mediums captivate audiences worldwide, combining visual artistry, compelling narratives, and technological innovation.

IT, Software and Computer Services

IT and software services are not just about functionality; they encompass the imaginative worlds of gaming, VR, and AR. This sector blends technical prowess with creative storytelling, and virtual world building.

Museums, Galleries, and Libraries

The Museums, Galleries, and Libraries sector serves as a custodian of culture and heritage. By preserving artefacts and showcasing collections, it connects communities with their past and fosters lifelong learning.

Music and Performing Arts

Music and the performing arts are synonymous with vibrancy and emotion. From breathtaking concerts to compelling theatre productions, these arts bring stories and melodies to life, captivating audiences and enriching the cultural landscape.

Publishing

The publishing field stands as a beacon of information and imagination within the creative industries. From gripping novels to insightful articles, it connects authors with audiences, preserving and promoting the written word across diverse platforms.

Cultural Anchors Group

Cross-Sector

Cultural Anchors Group

The Cultural Anchors Group is made up of the building based cultural providers within the town.

Festival and Events Group

Music and Performing Arts

Festival and Events Group

Bringing together the teams behind the vibrant and growing events calendar to find ways of working together, ensuring sustainable and strategic growth

The Pump Room

Cross-Sector

The Pump Room

The Pump Room - Creative Tunbridge Well is negotiating lease for the Pump Room, a space overlooking the Pantiles that would be available for cultural and community use.