Streets Ahead Collective is a Canterbury-based Community Interest Company (CIC) creating open, accessible creative spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds. We believe that creativity belongs to everyone and that when people are given space to create, connect, and be seen, communities grow stronger.
Our journey began in empty buildings.
With no funding and plenty of knockbacks, we were given our very first opportunity through the kindness and belief of others transforming unused spaces into places full of life, colour, conversation, and creativity. From those first six weeks in an empty café space, to the large-scale transformation of the former Currys building on Canterbury High Street, we have seen time and again what happens when creativity is placed at the heart of the community.
We formed Streets Ahead Collective CIC to create something stronger, more sustainable, and more lasting, a collective voice that could advocate for creative space and build long-term partnerships across the city.
Our work brings together people across generations and backgrounds through creativity, creating meaningful experiences that build confidence, connection, and belonging.
Tuesday-Ann Castle
Board Director - International Strategy & Development
Tuesday Ann is a Board Director and Senior Manager for International Strategy & Overseas Development at Eurostar Group, with extensive experience in global partnerships and international development.
Charlie Wilkie
Board Director | Chief Executive Officer, 3BL
Two-time CEO and former SVP at the Guardian and CRO at HuffPost, Charlie has held senior leadership roles across media and technology.
Anna Webber
Board Director | Higher Education & Creative Practice
Anna is a Board Director and former Head of Faculty for Higher Education, and is currently a practicing artist with eight years’ experience in governance within education.
Julia Joslin
Board Director | Education, Leadership & Finance
Julia is a Board Director and former Head of Business and Computing at Canterbury College, with extensive experience in education, leadership, and finance.
Our Community Panel ensures Streets Ahead is led by the people it serves. Made up of residents and community voices, the panel helps guide our projects, shape our creative direction, and make sure our work remains inclusive, relevant and rooted in real local needs.
Pam Watson
Pam is a gifted artist and has attended many of our workshops. She credits the creative sessions as an important part of helping her cope with a period of homelessness. Now housed she is keen to continue creating and having the opportunity to sell her work in the Streets Ahead shop and at our Pop-up events
Ahmed Osman
Ahmed attended our workshops last year and later connected with one of our community partners, The Chatterbox Café, where he now volunteers every week. He also held his first exhibition of his artwork at the café. He is hoping to return to university in the autumn.
Lachlan McInnes
Lachlan first started attending our workshops over three years ago through Catching Lives. Since then, he has become a committed volunteer and has played an important role in helping us set up our pop-up spaces. Through the project, he has also developed his creative talents, particularly his passion for painting landscapes. He is currently volunteering with Necessary Furniture, helping to establish our rural hub. Lachlan credits the support he received from Catching Lives, along with the opportunities provided by Streets Ahead, as being instrumental in his recovery from addiction and in helping him adjust to moving into his own home after a long period of homelessness.