Welcome to Riverside Connections – Building a Thriving Creative Community at Rochester Riverside

At Sun Pier House and Intra Arts, we believe in the power of creativity to bring people together and transform communities. Over the next three years, we’re partnering with Hyde Housing and Vistry to create Riverside Connections—a vibrant programme of arts and cultural activities designed specifically for the residents of Rochester Riverside.

Our mission? To make art accessible, fun, and meaningful for everyone in the community, from families and young people to older residents and local businesses. Together, we’ll co-design activities that celebrate creativity and connection, helping to shape Rochester Riverside into a place where people feel proud to live, work, and play.

What’s in Store?

Starting in 2024, we’ll introduce pop-up art workshops, outdoor activities, creative packs delivered to your door, and festive celebrations like lantern-making and Christmas crafts. From sailing on the River Medway to turning empty windows into colourful art displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

As the programme grows, so will the opportunities for you to get involved. Whether it’s learning a new skill, meeting your neighbours, or sharing your own ideas, Riverside Connections is all about building a sense of belonging and pride in our community.

Be Part of the Story

We’re just getting started, and we’d love to hear from you! What would you like to see or do? Let’s work together to shape a programme that reflects the unique spirit of Rochester Riverside.

Sign to your dedicated newsletter to learn more and get involved. Together, let’s create something extraordinary!

Welcome to Riverside Connections – where creativity meets community.

Founded in 2014, Intra Arts operates a dynamic arts venue and maker space in a historic Art Deco building. The space offers public access to specialized equipment, including a printmaking studio, glass kilns, and craft tools, and hosts creative classes and workshops.

Deeply embedded in the Medway community, Intra Arts promotes creativity and wellbeing through festivals, exhibitions, and collaborative projects. They offer affordable, inclusive arts programs, often partnering with organizations to provide free or discounted activities. Notable initiatives include printmaking courses, glass classes, and community projects like lantern-making for Medway Light Nights.

Sun Pier House, founded in 2013, is a family-run, not-for-profit arts organization in Chatham. It serves as a hub for Medway’s creative community, offering a gallery, café, events space, staging area, community hire rooms, and artist studios.

Sun Pier House hosts hundreds of free arts activities and community programs annually, supporting small businesses and community causes with "pay-what-you-can" venue hire. They engage a diverse audience, including schools, families, vulnerable groups, and local artists. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, Sun Pier House aims to foster creativity, boost wellbeing, and strengthen community connections throughout Medway.