People are being encouraged to get involved with creating contemporary artwork in Sittingbourne and Iwade.

Artists Lucy Joyce and Richard Houguez are among four artists working on a three-month project across north Kent called Out Of The Ordinary Places.

They have been commissioned by Swale arts organisation Ideas Test to explore how art can be shaped by people and settings.

Lucy will lead the way in Sittingbourne where her Blue Skies project will involve a chance for people to join in with workshops to decorate disused or abandoned buildings in the town and to take part in theatrical performances.

She said: “Visiting Sittingbourne, I felt an extreme sense of community values, engagement and the desire to progress as a place.

“As an artist, my interest is not to bulldoze through the town, make an artwork and leave, but to bring contemporary art to a community at its source, build relationships and start a conversation that can continue throughout and beyond the project.

“I hope to introduce ideas, methods and ways of working that can inspire the community’s interest in community art.”

Richard Houguez has been exploring Iwade’s changing identity and has been shown around the village by residents.

The resulting project, called Wend Iwade, will feature a programme of events, workshops and residencies held by artists, musicians, archeologists and residents.

Richard said: “Iwade has a keen sense of history, both natural and cultural. It is a well networked rural community using online platforms and an active website that receives community contributions.

“First impressions are that people have a lot of drive towards making things happen and a keen sense of Iwade’s present narrative, but perhaps with many questions and unknowns; it appears the current state of Iwade in development is new territory for many.”

For more details about getting involved, visit www.ootoplaces.co.uk or send an email to ooto@creativepeopleplace.info.

• Spotlight will be a performance that lights up a building in Sittingbourne. It is due to take place in the town centre from 5.30pm on Saturday, October 10. If you would like to be involved, Lucy Joyce is looking for performers. No previous performance experience is necessary. For details email ootosittingbourne@gmail.com.