This year, Icon reached more people through our creative engagement programmes than ever before. From widening participation to supporting young people’s creativity and strengthening the cultural life of our local communities in Medway and Sheppey, the impact below offers a snapshot of what’s been achieved.
Widening Access to Arts & Culture
89% of participants said Icon gave them access to activities they otherwise would not have had.
— Annual Survey
“I saw people from 8 to 80, both in the audience and on stage. This gave me hope in a world where I often find very little.”
— Audience Member
“It gave me a chance to experience the performing arts world without the long commitment and costs.”
— Participant
1427
People Took Part in Free Activities
250
Days of Free Activities in Areas Ranking in the Top 2% for Deprivation
400
Free Tickets for Children Who Otherwise Could Not Attend
343
Free Creative Workshops
Supporting Young People’s Creativity
82% of young people said Icon improved their ability to communicate with others.
— Annual Survey
“I liked trying the backstage jobs as I don’t really like performing. If I had a choice, I would be a Stage Manager”
— Participant
79% of young people said Icon had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing.
— Annual Survey
592
Young People Took Part for the First Time
5
Early Career Artist Paid Placements
72
Work Experience Placements & Pathways Supported
28
Arts Award Achieved
Supporting Diverse Cultural Communities
94% of participants said the project gave them a greater appreciation of different people and cultures.
— Annual Survey
92% of participating young people are from low socio-economic backgrounds.
— Annual Survey
48% of artists and production teams are ethnically diverse.
— Annual Survey
"The joy of Icon shows is the bringing together of young and old as equals. It provides an often-rare opportunity for intergenerational friendships and joy."
— Participant
100% of schools reported increased confidence among their young people after working with Icon.
— Annual Survey
50
Collaborations with Schools & Community Partners
2833
People Watched an Icon Theatre Production
33
Volunteering Opportunities (Thank You!)
20
Live Performances Took Place
Personal Stories
Ghost Ships
Ghost Ships was a major community engagement programme, exploring the impact, loss and colonial legacy of Chatham Dockyard on local communities. The programme ended in September 2024 with a community theatre production staged in monumental boathouse on the former Royal Dockyard site.
★★★★ “Quite unlike anything you’ve seen before… irresistible… The crowd was rapt throughout.”
— Telegraph
AWARD: Highly Commended, Community Engagement Programme of the Year.
— Museum + Heritage Awards 2025
AWARD WINNER: Diversity Award
— Medway African and Caribbean Association
SHORTLISTED: Community Award 2025
— The Stage
A big thank you to this year’s funders, supporters and collaborators for making this work possible.
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