Kent does not have an opera house or even an opera shed. Fat Lady Opera want to create somewhere that feels like an opera home - a thrilling space where everyone feels invited to step over the threshold. Hythe Opera Hub will is a space where people of all shapes, ages, backgrounds and creative interests can come and take part in all the different aspects of the Grand Art. Opera is storytelling through music, theatre, movement, design, lighting; costume and digital arts. The Hythe Opera Home programme will embrace workshops, open rehearsals, arts events, performances and conversation opportunities to engage people across Hythe, Folkestone and the surrounding areas of Kent. The space will also offer skills-based learning activities for young people who might be interested in a career in performance, and regular singing/movement and design groups.

What we'll deliver:

• A community hub for performing arts and opera
• 9 Free to access performances by professional musicians
• 60 Free to access singing, movement and design workshops
• 2 new community operas
• 6 Skills based learning opportunities for young people

Why it's a great idea:

As high streets go into steep decline and Local Authority public buildings are sold off - there are increasingly few community spaces available where people can spend time in collaborative creative pursuit. This is a project that invites people back into shared and thrillingly imaginative space, helping to reframe the local town centre as an exciting and safe destination. People taking part in singing and movement workshops will benefit from all the well documented health impacts of ensemble choral work and movement: Better mental health; improved posture and mobility; sense of belonging and well-being; better breath management; lower blood pressure; greater confidence etc. Design and visual arts workshops will connect people to their local environment and personal stories and support people to be more involved in their local community. The professional musician and community club exchange aspects of the hub will provide an enriching space geared towards social cohesion.

Steps to get it done:

• Sign the agreement to hire the opera hub venue
• Finalise the artists and officers who will support delivery of the programme
• Publicise the first quarter programme/Set measures of success
• Review the first quarter
• Programme and publicise the 2nd quarter programme
• Review the 2nd quarter and impact to date
• Programme and publicise the 3rd quarter programme
• Review and set final measures of success/Begin legacy planning
• Programme and publicise 4th quarter
• Evaluate and review the impact of the programme.

Kent does not have an opera house - where these exist outside of London they are proven to boost the local economy and create a sense of cultural destination that becomes associated with the wider town (Glyndebourne; Garsington; Buxton; Snape Maltings etc). How amazing would it be to create a home for opera that puts local community and inclusivity alongside excellence and wonder at the heart of the programming.