About
Born in the midst of the pandemic in 2020, a new digital arts festival in Medway brought communities together...
"Electric Medway was all about lifting our spirits, with incredible artists and creative work that people could access online, and some experienced in public spaces. We’re particularly proud that this festival was able to support young creatives at this time, with paid work opportunities and artist mentoring.”
Janet Moore, Co-Director, SparkedEcho, Festival Producer (2020)
The first of its kind for Medway
Electric Medway brought together audiovisual artworks, streamed events and interactive workshops from more than 50 local artists and community groups. Unlocked through five virtual zones, this exciting programme invited participants to engage with works – both online and offline.
The free festival had content for all ages and included commissioned new works, youth arts projects and a wider showcase.
Jane Pitt
"Electric Medway celebrates how our digital worlds have grown and how creativity is an essential part of our communities. I am particularly delighted that as part of our commitment to providing Medway’s children and young people with opportunities, that Electric Medway specifically supports young people with paid festival jobs and mentoring to develop their creative careers."
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett (2020)
Supporting Young Creatives
A Young Creatives strand sat at the heart of the festival, supporting local young people looking to work in the creative industries with paid commissions, projects, work experience and creative mentoring.
Manisha Dusilsa
"Culture and creativity have played a huge role in bringing Medway together over the last few months. Electric Medway was a brilliant showcase for Medway’s innovation and creativity which sits at the heart of our UK City of Culture bid, as well as a celebration of our young people and creative future.”
Imogen Robertson, Bid Director at Medway 2025
Working in partnership
Produced by SparkedEcho and funded by Medway Council and Arts Council England, Electric Medway was devised in partnership with Medway Youth Service and Medway’s 2025 UK City of Culture bid.
We are thankful to our supporting organisations; Nucleus Arts heART Space, Fort Amherst, Historic Dockyard Chatham, Medway Archives and Medway Rapture Gaming & Creative Festival.
Nick Ashton
Kevin Grist
Producer, SparkedEcho
Janet Moore
Producer, SparkedEcho
Georgia Smith
Events Coordinator, SparkedEcho
Nina Minhard
Social Media Coordinator, SparkedEcho
Lydia Reid
Ident Artist
Katie Lowe
Video Caption Editor
Bracken Hake
Photographer
Luke Greenaway
Web Designer
Paul Cowell
Head of Culture, Medway Council
Roy Smith
Operations Manager, Medway Youth Service
Imogen Robertson
Bid Director, Medway 2025
Jo Wilkins
Communications Manager, Medway Council
Laura Ewing
Communications + Marketing Coordinator, Medway 2025
Robyn Goldsmith
Arts Development Officer, Medway Council
Medway Youth Council
Advisory Group
Volunteers
Stewarding