We are absolutely delighted to shout that MESS ROOM was awarded National Lottery Project Grant funding from Arts Council England. This was to support MESS ROOM Connects, a 12 month project designed to enhance all that we do; from staff training, new exhibitions, fundraising strategies and an exciting participatory arts programme.

This project is fundamental in creating a centre of excellence within the MESS ROOM, working closely with Kent Association for the Blind (KAB), and in particular those who are blind or partially sighted.

There have been many projects within MESS ROOM Connects as we have worked with local artists and community partners across Kent to deliver a series of tailored workshops and events, and a LOT going on behind the scenes, all of which culminated in a final Celebration Exhibition held in March 2025.

Where did it all begin...

We kickstarted this exciting programme in April with our first partnership project of the year with Rochester Cathedral and our exciting community project "Draco Roffensis" - celebrating 900 years of Textus Roffensis by building a 21 meter long dragon to hang in the nave!

Alongside the "Dragon" and as part of Medway Open Studios & Art Festival in July, was the Summer Exhibition. Art work created by the KAB and Peer Arts groups was displayed throughout Rochester Cathedral in a trail of pieces inspired by Textus Roffensis.

September was the launch of The Curiosity Collection Part 2 and the KAB Gravesend Art Group's Autumn Exhibition, the creative response to an object handling session at The Blake Gallery, getting up close to The Gravesham Collection of social history objects, memorabilia and souvenirs from years gone by.

Remembrance, an exhibition in the St George's Art Centre in November was a tactile collection of poppies in response to the exhibitions theme "conflict through a different lens".

12 months later...

The Exhibition: MESS ROOM Connects Celebration, launched 1st March 2025 - An inspiring visual arts exhibition celebrating the year of creative achievements, featuring artwork by over 60 artists from Kent Association for the Blind Art Groups and Peer Arts.