Purfleet-based arts organisation Kinetika has today announced that it has been awarded £64,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a new project building on last year’s Thurrock 100, THURROCK 100 STORIES.

Working with local historians and heritage volunteers, as well as 20 schools and 20 community groups from all over Thurrock, THURROCK 100 STORIES will identify and share 100 stories about the borough’s rich history, as well as mounting a community walking festival designed to encourage people to explore their local heritage. The stories will be made available via the Thurrock 100 website, through a 10-day community walking festival to take place in July 2016, and in a new 100 STORIES booklet which will be published in autumn 2016.

Naturally the project will feature well-known aspects of Thurrock’s history, but Kinetika also hopes to bring to life some rich personal accounts and lesser-known stories about the area’s past.

Lyn Carpenter, Thurrock Council’s Chief Executive, said: ‘When I was appointed Chief Executive of Thurrock Council last summer, I was delighted to find that Kinetika, an arts organisation with an international reputation, had just moved to High House Production Park. I’m even more pleased that they have been able to bring such significant funding into the borough for a fantastic project that will offer training and experience to local people, and help to put Thurrock on the map. I look forward to finding out more about Thurrock’s heritage myself!’

Ali Pretty, Kinetika’s Artistic Director, said: ‘Since moving Kinetika to Thurrock two years ago, I’ve been struck by the realisation that some of Thurrock’s rich heritage is not widely known even to people who have lived here all their lives. I’m looking forward to working with schools and community groups to help find and share 100 great Thurrock stories. I can’t wait to get going!’

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, said: ‘The borough of Thurrock is jam-packed with interesting heritage, but much of it isn’t widely known. We’re delighted that thanks to National Lottery players we are able to support Kinetika’s excellent project to help local volunteers unearth and share their stories more widely.’

Notes to editors

About Kinetika

Kinetika is an arts organisation founded by Ali Pretty that specialises in hand-painting silk on a large scale. The company is well known for producing large-scale ceremonial events and especially for its work in carnival and has recently begun to explore walking as a means of engaging communities. It moved its operation to High House Production Park in Purfleet in 2013.

www.kinetikaonline.co.uk @kinetika www.facebook.com/kinetikapeople 

About Thurrock 100

Kinetika’s Thurrock 100 is a project bringing together walking, talking and creativity. In 2015 Kinetika worked with 10 Thurrock schools to make ten 4m high silk flags which were then carried on ten 10-mile walks devised in collaboration with communities around the borough.

www.thurrock100.com @thurrock100 www.facebook.com/thurrock100

About the Heritage Lottery Fund

Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk @heritagelottery @HLFEoE 

For interviews, photos or more information, please contact Nicky Webb.

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