Urban Room Folkestone

Description:
URF is a space for civic discussions about the town and wider societal/global topics such as climate change. URF sits in an area which has seen significant arts-led investment and development by a wealthy local businessman and the charity he established, Creative Folkestone, who are a key partner, along with the district and town council. Folkestone Fringe (a local arts organisation) manage the space and curate the programme. The newly-expanded Urban Room Folkestone Association acts as a de-facto board to guide URF activity.

Name: Urban Room Folkestone (URF) / UR Folkestone

Location: 1 The Plaza, Folkestone.

Run by: Founded by Diane Dever, now operated by The Urban Room Folkestone Association (URFA).

Commissioned by: Originally commissioned by the 2017 Creative Folkestone Triennial (since moved location)

When was the UR open: 2017-Present

Timing: Originally temporary for the 2017 Triennial, now permanent in new location

How was funded and resourced: Originally funded by the Triennial. Subsequently privately funded and staffed by two individuals who set up the URFA. Some ad-hoc funding from Creative Folkestone, District Council, Town Council. Where specific events/programmes are delivered by Folkestone Fringe this is often funded by the Arts Council, Town Council and in the past the EU via the Creative Europe programme.

Space: In a former tourist information office in the heart of the harbour/old town/Creative Quarter

Read More