Dover smART project has been awarded £2,000 as part of a member’s grant to bring a fresh sense of positivity into the town.

The grants have come from Labour councillors Pam Brivio and Gordon Cowan. A member’s grant acts as a form of sponsorship that is backed by councillors authorising it. Prior to receiving the money, organisations must prove how it will aid the community.

The smART project will be able to celebrate the pride of Dover through delivering creative workshops to children.

The art-based events will showcase what Dovorians love about their town, and encourage young people to love the place in which they are growing up in.

The largest chunk of the project will involve smART visiting four schools, all of which will experience a host of activities that have been carefully planned by the team.

Children will have the opportunity to learn about Dover through producing art work.

Project director Dawn Maddison said: “We acknowledge that Dover has struggled with its image in recent years but we believe that through positive experiences and a different way of looking at our town we can make a difference.”

Another director, Liz Gibney, said: “There is a lot of local support for the work we are doing with residents.

“We are working with a wide range of people in the community and it is great that so many people are involved.”

To conclude, Emily Smith, who helped to co-ordinate the grant is thrilled with the outcome.

She said: “Pam and Gordon’s award means that we can start to make small changes that will make big differences to our town’s image.

“The children will benefit from having a stimulating exciting day where local history and the future of their town will be examined and used as starting points for some collaborative art work.”

To find out more about Dover smART project, see its Facebook page.