Funding helps open eyes to art and opportunity

Some people believe art is an exclusive medium, but an organisation in Folkestone is helping to open the doors and break down such barriers.

Tomas Poblete and Nina Shen-Poblete started HOP Projects in Tontine Street just over two years ago, having fallen in love with the town during a national search for a studio space.

And while the pair have become a part of the Creative Quarter’s blossoming art scene, they have also helped engage local artistic talents thanks to Folkestone Community Works funding.

“We try to do things differently,” Nina explains. “We’re not just an art space – we see the potential of art as a means to have an independent voice exploring local issues, connecting people, and creating a platform where discussions can happen.”

Among those to have benefited is Joff Insole. He was described as being ‘down on his luck’ and only known for his local street artwork before HOP Projects reached out to him.

Bullet dance (credit: HOPProjects CT20)

Tomas adds: “We want to allow as many people as possible into the creative process – that’s the whole point of what we’re doing.

“We commissioned him to do his work professionally and he had this space to do his work. It was quite moving to see the reaction.

“I thought he was going to say no, but then he said ‘thank you so much, I’ve had a hard time in this life’ and he fully embraced it. When he was working here, all sorts of people came in – people that wouldn’t usually come into an art gallery.”

Joff has been commissioned for further works following HOP Projects’ invitation and is establishing himself in the art scene.

HOP Projects has benefited from £7,494 of funding which they used to purchase equipment that is being used helping to deliver events including public dance pieces based on Folkestone’s heritage, film screenings and a series of workshops.

Tomas Poblete and Nina Shen-Poblete (credit: Matt Rowe)

The money has supported a “wealth of local talent” including young local artists and videographers – most of which have had their first opportunity to properly express themselves in the town’s booming creative industries.

HOP Projects has benefited from £7,494 of funding which they used to purchase equipment that is being used helping to deliver events including public dance pieces based on Folkestone’s heritage, film screenings and a series of workshops.

Summing up, Nina Shen-Poblete told us: “Without Folkestone Community Works, we wouldn’t have been able to do much of what we have because all of the work is interlinked.

“The people we have found are been absolutely fantastic. They have brought a complete knowledge and made an amazing contribution.”

For more information about the Folkestone Community Works project, visit folkestonecommunityworks.com.

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