Community arts happiness project set to expand

A collection of 96 tiles is on display at Windmill Community Gardens in Margate

A community arts project in east Kent on the theme of happiness using more than a 1,000 handcrafted tiles is expanding for 2025.

Thanet Tiles of Joy has involved community groups creating art which has so far been displayed in six locations in Cliftonville, Margate, Broadstairs, Westbrook and Ramsgate.

Organisers are now planning to expand the initiative to the Oval Bandstand in Cliftonville, Margate Arts Club, Dreamland theme park, Monkton Nature Reserve, and several schools and community hubs across Thanet.

Project founder and artist Jayne Wright said the workshops had "brought together people from all walks of life, promoting creativity and community spirit".

The project began in 2023 with a workshop at Margate Caves attended by 76 people.

It has since grown into a "remarkable collection of over 1,000 handcrafted tiles created by the people of Thanet", according to Ms Wright.

She said: "People are rarely asked what makes them happy and even more rarely are they asked to document it.

"We've had tiles made featuring sun, snow, cats, plants and even Santa.

"One of my favourites was a little boy who drew his mum."

Jayne Wright wanted to create a community art project on the theme of happiness

The project has engaged a diverse range of community groups and organisations, including Thanet Women's Institutes, guides and scouts, schools and heritage groups.

Social inclusion groups have also taken part such as Social Enterprise Kent, East Kent Mencap and Kent Association for the Blind as well as arts and cultural initiatives including Margate Pride and Turner Contemporary staff.

Dozens of people attended the first tile workshop in 2023

The initiative has received a government grant through the Social Enterprise Boost Fund to fund workshops and a tile trail across Thanet.

Ms Wright said: "This growing tile trail not only celebrates the creativity of Thanet's residents but also strengthens community connections and local pride."

It currently encompasses Northdown Road in Cliftonville, Albert Terrace Mews and Windmill Community Gardens in Margate, Broadstairs Town Shed, Westbrook Bay and Ramsgate High Street.