Co-creating arts & cultural projects with communities in Thurrock, Essex and beyond
Founded in 2004 (formerly known as Impetuous Kinship), Arts Outburst has been co-creating art and cultural projects with the people of Thurrock (and beyond) for almost 20 years! In 2023, we were lucky enough to join Arts Council England’s National Portfolio, which has changed the game for us. With core funding secured for three years, it means we can plan, develop and deliver even more great arts projects for everyone in Thurrock and South Essex to enjoy.
We’ve got something for everyone to take part in from FAMILY FIESTAS for early years children and their families, to our flagship MAKE SOME PROGRAMME for children and young people to be able to explore their own creativity, through to our TROUPE and SQUAD programmes aimed at Adults who are looking to do something creative with their spare time. And that is just for starters, so jump on in and explore what we have for you to do and get involved in!
Daryl BranchArtistic Director & CEO
Born and bred in Thurrock, Daryl is co-founder of Arts Outburst and has worked as an actor, director, producer and teacher in the arts for over 20 years. He trained at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and up until Arts Outbursts successful application to join the Arts Council’s National Portfolio, led Crawley’s Creative Playground, a Creative People and Places programme; and spent ten years at Studio 3 Arts, most recently as Executive Director. Daryl believes passionately that everyone should have access to the best arts and cultural experiences, no matter who they are, what their background is or where they come from.
Mandy WildGeneral Manager
Mandy Wild has worked with Arts Outburst as General Manager for 8 years, She has a background in hospitality and is a qualified Nursery Nurse with 20 years experience working with children and young people. Mandy is also a qualified Zumba Instructor, specialising in classes for older people and people with disabilities.
Alexandria MerchantProjects Manager
Alexandria is a multi-faceted creative pro born here in Grays, that went on to tour the country as a stage performer whilst managing performance teams and a musical career in a vocal group touring the UK. Moving back to Essex, Alex became a full-time Vocal Coach & Choir Leader for over 5 years following her performing years, before stepping into our Project Management role here at AOB both managing & facilitating our creative projects for all ages.
Lee JarvisProjects Assistant
Lee is currently an apprentice with Arts Outburst. He started his apprenticeship as a Cultural, Learning and Participation Officer in April 2023. Before coming to Arts Outburst, Lee completed a course in Creative Media & Production at college, where he gained his passion for photography and often takes photographs of Arts Outburst’ events. When Lee’s not busy at his apprenticeship he can be found filling his time with photography, books and films. He also volunteers with St John’s Ambulance.
Venue hire
Spaces to suit all your needs
Running an event or workshop, leading a class or need a space for a meeting or a rehearsal? Then at Arts Outburst we can help. We have a number of spaces on the 2nd Floor of the Thameside Complex, that are fully accessible that can be hired for a variety of uses. We offer special rates for Charities and Community Organisations too. For more information, drop us an email and tell us what you need.
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
If you are an artist that lives in Thurrock or South Essex,
we have made a commitment to support you.
You can join the Thurrock CAN network, where we offer you the opportunity to link up with other local creatives and find out about what creative opportunities there are for you locally.
If you need a space to rehearse, we will do our best to offer you that for free. We are also looking at other training and development opportunities that we can offer you.
We are also committed to providing work opportunities for local creative freelancers as much as we possibly can.
Connect with us today and make sure we know
who you are!
Our Funders
Arts Outburst is funded by Arts Council England as a National Portfolio Organisation, which it joined in April 2023 for the very first time. We are also funded by Essex Activate as part of the Department for Educations HAF programme. We receive funding and commissions for many other projects, their logos are shared below.
