News Blast: Popular Margate venue announces five month closure

A temporary closure for a popular Margate venue, opportunities for creative young people, a rare chance to eat out on a Monday night. Here's this week's creative and cultural news from across Thanet.

From early June through to October, ARK will be closed for building work, however the team said they will continue to present work in other venues around Thanet for the duration.

Open School East has opened its 2025-2026 Associates Programme. Open to people who have challenges accessing arts education and practice-based development opportunities, the programme is free and will guide you through your practice in a collaborative working environment,  whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, artist or performer or working in another medium. Applications close on June 20. 

Are you a young person (probably not, let’s be honest) or have some in your orbit? The Turner has put out its final call for artists, filmmakers and creatives under 25 years old living in Kent and Medway to enter the Young Creatives exhibition. This year’s theme is Force, taking its inspiration from the sea, Margate’s light and strength in community. Apply by Thursday, May 9, to take part. More details.

From Monday May 5, Sète in Margate will be open from Mondays. For the bank holiday, the French-style bistro and wine bar will open its doors 1pm-8pm, and regular Mondays 4pm-10pm. For those wanting some food, the Sète menu - 1, 2, 3 courses for £16, £18, £23 - will be available. 

Got any budding young writers in your midst? The Canterbury Children's Literature Festival - which holds its first edition on July 11-13 - is running a competition for 6-13 year olds. Submit a short story or poem about nature or animals by May 30 to be in with a chance of winning a range of prizes. The winning entries will also form part of a new trail at Wildwood. Full details.