DAD is an art-work
DAD is artist-led
DAD is collaborative
DAD is flexible
DAD is a commissioner
DAD is a producer
DAD is a resource
DAD is in the doing
DAD reaches out to the world
DAD is at home in Dover

Dover Arts Development (DAD) is a not for profit limited company with its home in Dover. It functions as a collaborative, flexible, framework within which its artist directors and guardian imagine, manage & deliver ambitious projects of artistic excellence within the visual arts, spoken word, written word, sound and architecture.

As of January 2024 the DAD Directors are Charles Holland, Edda Salander-Jones, Joanna Jones, Richard Bundy and Simon Bill with Nicolas Deshayes as Guardian.

DAD has no core funding and financially operates on a project-by-project basis, successfully bidding for funding for its work since 2006 from national, European and local bodies. DAD has in-depth experience of managing multi-stranded projects with an ever-expanding range of partners and artists and has brought over £1.4m investment into Dover.

Since its founding in 2006 DAD has successfully delivered 52 projects involving  approx. 200 artists and a range of business partners.

We have found that new projects, partnerships and collaborations start with a conversation. Let’s keep the conversations happening…..

Graphic Design DAD has established, with graphic designer Edda Salander-Jones, an impactful and recognisable design language and continues to adapt future project-specific design work in line with its established DAD branding.

History After initially operating as an unincorporated 3-way partnership in 2006 with Christine Gist, in 2008 DAD incorporated as a company limited by guarantee (not for profit) with artists Clare Smith and Joanna Jones as directors.

On December 10th 2022 Founder/ Director Clare Smith passed.

“DAD has been brilliant in getting all sorts of people in Dover (who don’t “do” the Arts) involved in some brilliant and rather lovely projects. From wild planting on the seashore to giant round tables and miles of knitted bunting, Clare and Joanna have made Dover a better and brighter place to be. Behind the fun are 2 serious arts practitioners who bring gravitas and wonderful connections which Dover wouldn’t otherwise benefit from. We have been working together for many years and look forward to many more.”  Allison Burton Town Clerk (Dover Town Council)