Creative Margate in country’s top 20
Margate is one of the UK's top 20 creative towns, according to a survey carried out by a leading marketing group.
The seaside town was 19th in the overall list and was also included in the top 10 ‘towns to watch', along with Liverpool, Glasgow and Cardiff, in the survey, carried out by the Future Laboratory.
Analysts have cited the so-called ‘Tracey Emin Effect', the development of the Turner Contemporary and the shooting of the film Exodus - which received critical acclaim at this year's Venice Film Festival - in the town as factors in Margate's high rating.
Cllr Roger Latchford, Thanet council's cabinet member for culture and economy, said: "Margate's positioning among the top 20 creative towns and cities in the UK just shows how far the town has come over the last few years.
"We want to see Margate becoming a creative hub for Thanet and the whole of Kent, and the development of Turner Contemporary will bring a major visual arts gallery to the town, attracting a whole new audience here.
"This study also highlights the economic benefits that we know culture can bring to an area and that's why we want to establish Margate at the heart of culture in this region.
"It talks about signs of regeneration being seen, with house prices increasing and new shops and restaurants opening and, perhaps most importantly, how the Government is now looking at cultural growth areas, which could lead to funding opportunities."
Source: Kentnews.co.uk
