The 2025 Kent Arts Conference (KArtsCon) took place from July 15th to 18th at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Hosted by our wonderful partners, the esteemed Medway School of Arts, the conference served as a pivotal gathering for a diverse array of participants, including artists, educators, and creative professionals from various disciplines.
The central theme, “Art to Be,” provided a framework for discussions, explorations, and showcases, ultimately fostering a dynamic community of practice and highlighting the ever-evolving nature of artistic expression in contemporary society.
KArtsCon2025 kicked off with the Schools Art Competition on 15 July. This initiative saw talented students from numerous schools across Kent present their unique and insightful interpretations of the overarching “Art to Be” theme. The competition not only celebrated emerging artistic talent but also provided a platform for young minds to engage deeply with the conference’s core ideas. Cllr Nina Gurung, the Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure came to make an inspirational speech and present prizes to the winners.
The conference programming was meticulously structured across three main days, each dedicated to exploring distinct facets of art and its impact. Day One, aptly themed “Foundations,” laid the groundwork for many subsequent discussions. It delved into fundamental concepts such as “locatedness,” examining how art is influenced by and reflects specific environments and cultural contexts. Discussions also explored the process of self-rediscovery through artistic endeavours, highlighting art’s therapeutic and introspective qualities. Practical considerations were not overlooked, with conversations on the methodical reality of creative work, emphasising the discipline and process inherent in artistic production, as well as the importance of productifying one’s art. Furthermore, the day addressed the critical challenge of breaking down stereotypes within the art world and offered insights into strategies for making art both culturally impactful and commercially viable.
Day Two focused on “Identity and Innovation,” looking at the transformative power of art and its intersection with new methodologies. A key area of exploration was artistry as a journey of self-discovery, reinforcing the idea that creative practice can be a profound tool for understanding and expressing one’s identity. The conference also shed light on social prescribing, a burgeoning field where artistic engagement is utilised to promote well-being and health within communities. Visualising success in artistic careers was another prominent topic, providing practical guidance and inspiration to attendees. The influence of legendary artists was examined, offering historical context and drawing lessons from past masters. The importance of theoretical grounding for art was also emphasised, encouraging a deeper intellectual engagement with artistic concepts. A significant highlight of this day was the discussion on the profound impact of technology on artistic collaboration, showcasing how digital tools are reshaping creative processes. Practical sessions included a hands-on workshop on the Kodály Approach to music education, demonstrating an innovative pedagogical method, and an exciting XR (extended reality) session, allowing participants to experience cutting-edge immersive art technologies.
The final day of KArtsCon2025 focused on the restorative and communal aspects of art. Discussions explored the intricate relationship between art and architecture, examining how artistic principles are integrated into built environments to create spaces that inspire and uplift. The power of narrative was celebrated through sessions dedicated to poetry writing, encouraging participants to explore lyrical expression. The contributions of Elizabethan dramatist Christopher Marlowe demonstrated how contemporary artistic endeavours connect to historical legacies. The conference even touched upon the unexpected intersection of art and culinary practices with a session on food aesthetics. The integration of art in schools was a vital topic, highlighting the importance of creative education for holistic development. Furthermore, the therapeutic benefits of movement were explored through a session on yoga for creative development, underscoring the connection between physical well-being and artistic flow. The conference culminated in a joyful singalong, a fitting end that emphasised unity, shared experience, and the communal spirit that KArtsCon2025 sought to cultivate.
Warnborough Students and People at KArtsCon
KArtsCon2025 offered our students and people an opportunity to participate, learn and showcase their own work. The short film festival offered our multimedia students an opportunity to have their work screened before an international audience. Artists can also exhibit their work and researchers can present their research. Have a look at some of our people at the conference below.
