The idea
Last year a small group of artists and gallerists came together in a voluntary capacity to build a DIY arts festival during Margate's rainy and quieter Winter season.... We had two months and no idea how it was going to go! But thanks to the incredible spirit and boundless creativity our community Off Season was a huge success, even getting a mention on the floors of the House of Commons by MP Polly Billington.
Margate’s vibrant artistic community is coming together again to create a weekend of exhibitions and events. These off-season Winter months can be harder for local businesses and so we are working collaboratively to organise a free, three- day art trail to shine a spotlight on Margate’s artistic spirit.
After our first ever Off Season event in 2025 we ran a survey with participants, remarkably 100% said it was a positive experience and 100% said they would take part again!
What we'll deliver
- 3 days of free exhibitions, events and celebrations
- An online and printed map so you can plan a tour specific to your interests
- We will promote all exhibitions and events across Thanet and on our channels
- Family friendly events labelled clearly
- A boost for local businesses and artists
Why it's a great idea
A truly community led and focused event in the middle of winter and something the whole town can enjoy together.
Last year we had 70 events and exhibitions with over 150 artists taking part. We had no selection policy as we wanted to create something that was truly open and inclusive to make all of Margate feel involved.
The survey we did after the event proved its success beyond our wildest dreams - 100% of people involved said they would take part if we ran Off Season again...
Many artists sold work and made connections for new opportunities.
Businesses reported a noticeable increase in visitors, profits and bookings across town.
Big Shot coffee shop said sales were up 40% on a January Saturday. The George and Heart told us they were as busy as a summer weekend.
Carl Freedman Gallery and Quench Gallery both had record visitor numbers and several businesses described a "buzzy" "as busy as summer" atmosphere around town!
Steps to get it done
- Website live and applications open end of September
- Applications close end of November
- Physical map designed and printed in December
- Online map live in late December
- Map distributed early January
- Promotion of all events and exhibitions during January
- Press release out first week of January
- Off Season opening party January 23rd
