Following on from last year's project, Nova was commissioned in 2016 to continue working with  People United and Newington Big Local to work alongside the residents of Newington, Ramsgate to develop a large-scale participatory arts project, on the theme of Kindness.

Best Fest was a unique, free, one-off arts festival that celebrated the Newington community in July 2016. In the lead up to Best Fest, the Creative Champions worked together to plan the festival. From the start, I wanted Best Fest to demonstrate and celebrate the work created by the community and be able to showcase what Newington was all about, not the negative labels placed on them by government statistics or those living outside Newington. The Creative Champions and the community of Newington truly embraced Best Fest, which took months of hard work to build positive relationships.

The Kindness Tapestry

During this residency I workkd with various community groups including the Creative Champions to create the Kindness Tapestry.

What they say…

“Nova’s authentic work has affected many residents who have been inspired and motivated by The Best of Us project to share and celebrate the best of Newington. Nova’s practice is truly collaborative; she listens, observes and challenges the people that she works with and then together they create. With her rich skills, experience and personal attributes she empowers the people she co-creates with to transform and positively influence their own communities. She naturally sees the positive in each person, treating everyone equally. When Nova collaborates with people she is always determined to bring out the best in them.” People United