Art Buff, the artwork by Banksy, was originally installed in Folkestone in 2014 with Banksy stating the work as”part of the Folkestone triennial. Kind of”.Art Buff was on display for barely a month before being removed from the wall and shipped for sale in the United States. Following a legal campaign by Creative Folkestone the artwork was reclaimed and has now returned to the town.The artwork, which shows a woman gazing at an empty plinth, sparked the idea for Creative Folkestone to create The Plinth.

From Friday 18 September to Sunday 8 November, 10 vacant plinths will be placed in beautiful and unique, outdoor locations around Folkestone. Creative Folkestone is inviting residents and visitors to find a plinth and to use them to display their lockdown creations, artistic talents and special objects in celebration of Folkestone, community and creativity.

People are invited to find a plinth in Folkestone, display their work, take a picture and share it on social media to become part of a big online exhibition. Alongside the empty plinths, there are also three specially commissioned plinths with works by local artists Malcolm Allen, Maureen Jordan and Tomas Poblete.

In addition, there will be a performance plinth painted on the floor of Payers Park by street artist Toze One. The performance plinth will host a curated programme of music, dance, spoken word and more.

Despite the barriers presented by Covid-19, Creative Folkestone are continuing to find ways to put creativity at the heart of daily life both online and in person.

Creative Folkestone have been busy working with schools and community partners across the town to ensure that as many people as possible can take part. This includes 16 schools that will each receive a plinth for a week during the project to use as an educational and creative tool. Plus, Young Carers, Age UK, Mind, Homestart and The Shed youth centre will also receive art packs and resources as a starting point for making. Online resources will also be available to get creative at home.

To find out more, or to follow the project as it grows, visit

www.creativefolkestone.org.uk

#FolkestonePlinth