ABOUT
VRIENDSCHAP
VRIENDSCHAP
Ramsgate Arts Barge Community Interest Company (12058325) is a 'not-for-profit' social enterprise launched in March 2020.
In August 2020, RAB CIC took legal ownership of the Dutch vessel Vriendschap, which is now a community asset protected by an 'asset lock' preventing the barge from ever being sold for private or personal gain.
VRIENDSCHAP
VRIENDSCHAP
VRIENDSCHAP
Vriendschap (Dutch for friendship) is a 130-year old, 50-metre long, 7-metre wide, 200-tonne former Dutch cargo barge.
Previously owned by three generations of the 'Van der Veen' family in the Netherlands and soon to be fully renovated & converted to create the Ramsgate Arts Barge.
THE VISION
VRIENDSCHAP
THE VISION
To create an accessible, all inclusive family-friendly community arts hub & space for all, to be permanently moored alongside Harbour Parade in the heart of Ramsgate's Royal Harbour.
THE ARTS
ART & WELLBEING
THE VISION
We are going to create a multi-disciplinary arts, events & performance space, hosting; visual art exhibitions, art installations, comedy, acoustic music, cabaret, theatre, film screenings, spoken word, poetry, arts classes, workshops & courses.
ART & WELLBEING
ART & WELLBEING
ART & WELLBEING
The power and effect of art in a community should not be under-estimated for the health, social & economical benefits it can bring.
Arts have the power to improve well-being and mental health through inclusive activities and events that will unite, strengthen and create togetherness throughout the entire Ramsgate & Thanet community.
PROJECT TO DATE
ART & WELLBEING
ART & WELLBEING
With huge community support (through a pandemic) we have been able to complete the below crucial milestones to start the project;
- Dry-dock hull survey, inspection & immediate repairs
- RAB CIC legal ownership of 'Vriendschap' as a community asset
- Commission a full RIBA Chartered Architect Feasibility Study
- Purchase our own private access pontoon
- Purchase protective & safety equipment for our volunteer team
- Raise funds towards ongoing project overheads (inc. mooring fees, marine & public liability insurance, website fees & ad-hoc project costs).
- Commission planning application architect drawings & submit our full planning application to Thanet District Council
- Full planning application approved in October 2021.
SOCIAL AIM
SOCIAL OUTCOMES
SOCIAL OUTCOMES
The key social aim of the Ramsgate Arts Barge is to provide access to the arts for children 2-16 years of age living within the Thanet District, via complimentary multidisciplinary art classes, courses, workshops & programmes.
The Thanet District ranks as the most deprived local authority in Kent, with 37% of children living in poverty (Department for Work and Pensions/HMRC, 2020).
SOCIAL OUTCOMES
SOCIAL OUTCOMES
SOCIAL OUTCOMES
Our art classes, courses, workshops and programmes will have a positive effect on children living within the Thanet District to;
- increase mental wellbeing
- create higher self esteem
- improve concentration skills
- aid social-emotional development
- increase cognitive development
- develop social & communication skills
- increase feelings of independence and self perception
- increase feelings of pride, achievement & happiness
ARTISTIC AIMS
SOCIAL OUTCOMES
COMMUNITY AIMS
- Support, champion & promote local artists via art exhibitions & events.
- Attract internationally established artists in their field, putting Ramsgate on the map as a ‘must-visit’ destination for the arts.
- Provide opportunity for studio hire for local artists for both short & long term artistic projects.
COMMUNITY AIMS
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TODAY!
COMMUNITY AIMS
- Provide complimentary studio hire to schools, colleges, charities & not-for-profit organisations operating within Thanet.
- Form learning partnerships with schools & educational establishments across the Thanet District.
- Increase community cohesion & togetherness via community led events, debates, talks and seasonal markets throughout the year.
ECONOMIC AIMS
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TODAY!
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TODAY!
- Create NEW jobs in the Thanet District. ‘10.8% of people in Thanet were unemployed in August 2020, the highest in Kent’ - Unemployment in Kent, KCC (2020).
- Create a year-round visitor attraction in Ramsgate's Royal Harbour, bringing much needed year-round tourism & footfall into the area to stimulate and boost the local economy.
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TODAY!
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TODAY!
SUPPORT THE PROJECT TODAY!
You can support the 'Ramsgate Arts Barge' by donating to our Crowdfunder campaign or becoming a 'Founding Member' below..
'Founding Membership' commences for 12-months from the date of opening (date tbc).
Membership includes early bird ticket access via members monthly newsletter, plus 20% off all on-board purchases & event tickets, in addition to your name to be displayed on the 'Founding Members' plaque on-board the Ramsgate Arts Barge. Membership cards will arrive within 5 working days of purchase.
100% of proceeds go towards project costs to help launch the Ramsgate Arts Barge.
To become a 'Founding Member' today click here.
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