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Cliftonville: Arts Education Exchange fundraise to transform disused building

A disused building in Cliftonville could become home to a creative school for marginalised youth - if a £37,569 fundraising target is hit.

Arts Education Exchange has launched a crowdfunding campaign in a bid to transform the building into xChange Studios, with a bold design by architects Studio Octopi.

Supported by the Turner Contemporary, Dreamland and other local businesses, the funding will allow the community organisation to refurbish the building and install a professional recording studio and video editing suite.

The building (1482207)
The building (1482207)

Cliftonville west has the highest level of child poverty in Kent, with more than 52% of under 18s living in poverty.

Located at the heart of the area, xChange Studios will be a community space offering a range of creative education programmes for young people.

Oliver Briggs, director of Arts Education Exchange, said: "Despite such high levels of deprivation, Margate is currently undergoing a cultural revolution with an influx of news residents and businesses, many relating to the creative industries. "xChange Studios will facilitate a cultural and educational exchange between these two worlds and actively tackle the lack of opportunity for young people in the area."

If the fundraising target is met, the plan is two renovate the building to create a purpose-built space for the organisation's projects while will specialise in education through visual arts, music and lens-based media - working directly with industry professionals.

Plans for the building (1482203)
Plans for the building (1482203)

Rebecca Ellis, senior creative producer at Dreamland, said: "This is a great initiative and will provide exciting opportunities for young people in Thanet.

"We are looking forward to working with Art Education Exchange to deliver their creative education projects."

The new design includes a fully equipped recording studio, three multi-purpose art studios, a video editing suite, a lounge/ meeting space and two offices.

Plans to establish an in-house record company to provide a platform for young people to gain skills and opportunities to access the music industry, as well as a specific job training, are underway with Moshi Moshi Records.

The campaign goes live tomorrow, and the aim is to reach the fundraising target by June 28. To donate, click here

Oliver Briggs, a qualified teacher, founded Arts Education Exchange in 2017 to further develop his work in engaging marginalised youths through creative education.

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