Mission Statement

We aim the encourage the Arts and Artists in all it's diversity, and to provide an outlet for creative community involvement, whilst seeking to encourage and appreciative audience.

What If...? Gallery was opened in February 2006 when an opportunity was realized that buildings awaiting redevelopment would be an ideal venue for artists to display their work/craft. The developers kindly agreed to lease the buildings to us for a peppercorn rent until the development begins. As an artists co-operative it is hoped that volunteers will man the building on an unpaid basis and in return they may display their work free of charge.

With the kind support of the Holy Trinity Church, Dartford) we are able to offer opportunities to all aspects of art and craft and the artists themselves.

We welcome any volunteer - or contributions of time or money, to enable us to remain open to artists/craftspeople and give them the opportunity of exhibiting their works at a low cost.

The unique What if ...? Gallery project was concieved in 2006 by Peter Harper and a couple of highly 'Arts positive' people who wanted to ensure that Dartford did not become a ghost town whilst the redevelopment works were progressing in the town centre. We can now look forward to Dartford once more becoming a thriving market town where people can come to shop and of course, browse in our gallery. The project at this time wholly depends on volunteers who run the gallery on a day to day basis and who devote a lot of time to ensure that everything runs smoothly for the benefit of artists who wish to take part. Those volunteers are Chris and Sue Knight, Peter Shurmer, Jan Denney, Kerstin Muller, Ruth Howard, Ann Grey and Christine. Our website is managed by Lisa England. Richard Slater is our Resident Artist and can be seen most days at the What if...? Gallery, slaving over his hot easel. 

The project would not have happened without the aid of FIT Voices (Faith in their voices) a charity based at the Holy Trinity Church, Dartford. They underwrite the project by acting as guarantor for the lease and help with applications for grant funding. Our thanks go to Kevin for his continued support. We will continue to be a part of Dartford as long as St. James Investments continue to allow us to use their buildings and hope that once the redevelopment is complete there will be a dedicated Arts space for us in the town centre.

If you have any enquiries about the gallery or want to talk about our determination to keep the ART in dARTford please telephone one of the principals:  Ruth Howard on 01322 410320 or Chris Knight on 07941 137531.