Mick Jagger, Dartford Grammar School's most famous ex-pupil, is the inspiration for the Mick Jagger Centre, which today came closer to becoming a reality, with the announcement by the Arts Council of England, that the project is to receive £1,671,350 from the National Lottery.
The award is one of three to the south east and is KentÓs largest ever award for the arts. In consultation with the students at Dartford Grammar School, to decide a name for the arts centre, the Mick Jagger Centre, was the overwhelming choice. Mick Jagger has taken a keen interest in the project and followed its progress closely. "I am obviously delighted with the news of the lottery funding for the centre. Music training in all its forms is a vital part of the educational process and this is a great boost for young people into music in the Dartford area" he said.
Based at Dartford Grammar School, this innovative and exciting project involves the provision of two performing spaces, a 355 seat main performance area and a 160 seat studio . There will also be a recording studio with a capacity of 70 plus 3 rehearsal rooms.
The aim of the arts centre is to offer a creative and inspirational arts environment which is dedicated to music of all genres, and which reflects the culturally diverse community of North Kent.
All the centre's performance areas will be accessible to those with special needs and facilities will also include provision for people with sensory disabilities. It is also proposed to commission artists with special needs both to perform and to guide the education programmes
The centre, when completed, will offer a diverse mix of programmes. Local youth art programmes could for example offer young bands showcase opportunities, and there are plans for annual workshops and business seminars. Kent Music School which already plays a key role within the school music department will use the new facilities, and there will be regular performances by the Orchestra, Wind Band, Jazz Band and Chamber Group.
Alongside the DartfordÓs Symphony Orchestra, Choral Society and Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, the arts centre will be used by cutting edge bands and artists playing pop, rock, soul, dance, electro acoustic and
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