Kent's first open access creative start-up hub launches in Dover

Future Foundry, a social enterprise that helps young people gain a foothold in the creative industries, is launching Kent's first open access digital creative space tomorrow (Saturday 28th October) at Biggin Hall in Dover. It will provide free design and digital manufacturing facilities along with mentoring from industry experts for 16-30 year olds in Dover, Folkestone, Deal and Canterbury.

Applications will open at the launch for its new one-year programme for young creative entrepreneurs, offering training in business skills, freelancing, production, filmmaking, fashion, sculpture and fine art.

Future Foundry has successfully worked with over 400 young people from across Kent through its creative workshops and the popular Student Makers Markets, which offer free stalls and 'street based' business training for students, graduates and unemployed 16–30 year olds. The profit-for-purpose company is now bringing together Kent's creative, environmental and business sectors to encourage the next generation to make innovative products which have minimal impact on the environment.

The Creative Space will be open from 10am to 4pm tomorrow at Biggin Hall, Biggin Street, Dover, CT16 1DW, with the Mayor of Dover, Neil Rix, officially opening the space at 12 noon.

Young people from across the county will be showcasing their ideas and products at the launch event, including Sian, a midwife at a neonatal unit, who is using vintage reclaimed fabric to make soft clothes for premature babies; Jack, who plans to make furniture out of old skateboards; Seb, a young father upcycling pallets into furniture and Rose, who will be using recycled t-shirt yarn to produce knitted clothing.

Visitors will also be able to see demonstrations of the latest design and digital production techniques including 3D printing and laser cutting.