We are crowdfunding to establish a permanent place to deliver our creative education programmes for disadvantaged youth in Margate. Our projects foster a collaborative, cultural exchange between creative practitioners and disadvantaged youth. By doing so, we build self confidence, provide pathways to continued education and increase employability. Situated in the heart of Cliftonville, xChange Studios is ideally located in the community we work with and will provide opportunities to run a range of community driven projects as well as our core programmes. The space will consist of six studios including a professional recording studio, video editing suite and multi-purpose art rooms as well as an office and a project/exhibition space. By pledging to our campaign you will also become part of our vision and we invite all donors to visit our studios to see the impact of our projects first hand. We will also commemorate our top 10 donations on a plaque to be displayed in the building.

What we'll deliver:

• Decorate rooms
• Install a soundproof recording studio
• Install recording equipment
• Deliver regular arts projects for young people
• Furnish lounge space
• Install video editing equipment
• Add signage to front of building
• Organise regular public events for our community
• Ensure there is safe and secure access to the building

Why it's a great idea:

Margate has been transformed in recent years into a culturally vibrant town. An influx of creative residents and local investment in the arts, including the opening of Turner Contemporary and Dreamland have put this seaside town back on the map. Unfortunately, Margate is still one of the most deprived towns in the UK. Youth unemployment and crime rates and anti-social behaviour are high and civic pride remains negatively affected. Our mission is to bring these two worlds together through creative education. We work in partnership with schools, youth centres, universities, galleries and local artists and musicians to deliver high quality arts programmes for young people who experience hardship or cannot access education or employment. It is a great idea because it: -provides education and training for disadvantaged youth -brings together all groups in our community -brings an empty building in to community use -fosters a culture of collaboration between artists and young people

Steps to get it done:

• Sign lease on the building
• Commission Studio Octopi to do the required design work for the refurbishment
• Refurbish xChange Studios for arts education programme
• Deliver first youth project at xChange Studios
• Plan community event showcasing work from our projects including film screening, music performance and art exhibition

The building is currently disused but with your help we will transform it into a vibrant space for the community. Once a residential house, the building was converted into offices over 30 years ago and has seen little change since. We want to breath life back into the space and realise its potential. Arts Education Exchange was formed by Oliver Briggs in 2017 to develop effective methods of youth engagement through the arts. Given the urgent need for youth provision in our community and the continuing strain on public services, our organisation is determined to work with our partners to reverse this trend and provide the best opportunities for the young people in our community. Our programmes are funded by Arts Council England and KaMCOP (UCA) these partnerships will be essential in continuing to realise our goals. Our campaign is is coordinated by the founder of Arts Education Exchange CIC, Oliver Briggs and Chris Romer-Lee of architects and serial crowdfunders Studio Octopi.