ramsgate arts barge...

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 (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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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). 

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

• 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.

• 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. 

•  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.

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.