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Former Synagogue Reborn as Vibrant Community Hub
24 May
Summary
- A former synagogue is now a community hub fostering connection and diversity.
- The space offers diverse social and cultural activities for all backgrounds.
- It supports asylum seekers and aims to challenge perceptions through shared experiences.

The Ark Cliftonville Cultural Space, formerly a synagogue, has been revitalized in Margate to serve as a dynamic community hub. This initiative aims to bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering connection and mutual understanding within the local population.
The center provides a varied calendar of social clubs and cultural events, encompassing activities like gardening, running, theatre, dance, and music. These offerings are intentionally designed to encourage dialogue and unite people from all walks of life.
Crucially, the Ark Cliftonville Cultural Space extends its support to residents from a nearby asylum seekers' hotel. The organization emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent participation, believing shared experiences are vital, particularly amid current economic challenges.
Artist Tom Tegento, himself a refugee, leads workshops in art and dance. These sessions are instrumental in building bridges between local communities and refugees, utilizing activities like dancing and laughter to foster connection without the need for extensive verbal communication.