Recognising Mona Whitton’s positive impact on the Northfleet community
The Northfleet Place Partnership (NPP) brings together Creative Estuary, Gravesham Borough Council, and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation to strengthen Northfleet’s creative and cultural infrastructure. Through investment in people, spaces, and local communities, and through a range of activities, the partnership aims to build a vibrant creative landscape that offers high-quality opportunities for residents.
The Northfleet Place Partnership Programme was created to acknowledge, invest in, and build upon Northfleet’s creative community of individuals, businesses, and community groups, supporting creatives at all stages of their professional development to develop their ambitions.
Mona Whitton is a recipient of the Northfleet Place Partnership Impact Grant, which supported established organisations to grow and sustain successful programmes and projects in the Northfleet area.
Mona Whitton is a Northfleet-based artist and creative practitioner who, after 18 years working in secondary special education, decided to pursue a full-time career in the arts. Concerned about the growing marginalisation of creative subjects in education and the impact this can have on young people’s wellbeing, she became motivated to widen access to creative opportunities.
In 2022, Mona established her own arts business with the aim of developing her practice while delivering affordable and accessible workshops for the community.
Through the Northfleet Place Partnership Impact Award, Mona expanded this work by delivering fully funded workshops for schools and the wider public, removing financial barriers to participation. The project also created opportunities for collaboration with other artists, strengthening peer networks and supporting skills development among local creatives.
A key element of the project was supporting and showcasing emerging artists. Work created through the programme was featured at Northfleet Carnival, a major event in the Gravesham calendar celebrating local talent and community pride, and later included in a follow-on exhibition.
Through the project, Mona has helped create welcoming spaces for creative participation, building confidence among participants, strengthening relationships between artists, and contributing to Northfleet’s growing creative ecosystem.
Creative Practitioners involved: 6
Active Participants:
Workshop Breakdown:
Audiences:
While no formal EDI data was collected, the project engaged a diverse cross-section of the community, including school pupils, adult SEN participants, community art groups and local residents.
The Impact Award enabled Mona to:
The support provided through the programme – from professional development opportunities to regular check-ins and guidance – ensured the project was delivered with confidence and ambition.
Mona reflects that the support throughout the programme was “second-to-none,” highlighting the educational development offer and ongoing guidance as instrumental in shaping the project’s success.
“She has loved taking part, learning new skills and having the chance to be in the carnival.” — Parent of workshop and parade participant
“I really liked making the flowers, it wad fun. I can’t believe it is free. I’m going home to make some for my mum.” — Adult SEN participant
“I didn’t realise you could do so much with recycled materials. The workshop has been great and it’s been lovely learning new skills and knowing we are helping lower waste.” — Workshop participant
Mona continues to run community workshops three days a week alongside commissioned work and developing her own creative practice. The Impact Award has strengthened her professional network, opened new collaborative opportunities and reinforced her commitment to accessible community arts in Northfleet.
“I have loved being part of such a strong venture which has built its own artistic community within the project — supporting and upskilling artists and the community, and breaking down barriers between the arts and the community. Truly a project with a legacy.”
— Mona Whitton
