CRATE is an artist-led organisation based in Margate, East Kent supporting contemporary visual artists’ research and practice. As a Charity Crate is committed to providing affordable space to artists in recognition of the social, economic and environmental barriers faced by creatives.

Based in an old print works near the seafront, CRATE’s building, which opened in 2006, was bought and refurbished with major support from Arts Council England, East Kent Partnership and Thanet District Council. The building consists of three levels of studios with a project space on the ground floor. The building is designed to give artists access to dedicated, affordable space for experimentation, production, documentation and research. The project space has, historically, hosted a programme initiated by CRATE, supported by grant funding, and is also available for hires.

Over the past few years CRATE’s programmatic focus has been on opening-up access and directing resources to creatives, artists, community groups and organisations in East Kent from under-represented backgrounds and identities within the arts and cultural sector. This has involved working on long term partner projects with organisations including Black Pride Margate, Marine Studios, People Dem Collective, Plastic Free Thanet, Rise Up Clean Up, Turner Contemporary Access Group, Resort Studios Margate, Neurodivergent Friends of Thanet, University for the Creative Arts Canterbury and Windmill Community Gardens Margate.

Crate aims to learn with and from its constituting artists and local communities, and, as an organisation, is open and responsive to changing contexts and needs.

Crate Studio & Project Space Ltd.

1 Bilton Square, Margate, Kent. CT9 1EE
Charity No 1105867 
Limited Company 5163003