She Rises With The Sea
A mural project honouring women and ocean conservation in the world we share.
Margate, Kent – Autumn 2025 - Power of Women Thanet (POW) is partnering with Rise Up Residency (RUR), also known as Rise Up. Clean Up. Margate., to deliver a series of powerful new murals across Thanet this Autumn
“She Rises With the Sea” is the latest in a growing body of murals across Thanet, created by women to honour our shared environment. The project celebrates community, resilience, and creativity but also highlights the urgent need for awareness around the ocean crisis.
Three public artworks - in Margate, Broadstairs, and Westbrook - with two having been unveiled on October 11th in recognition of the International Day of the Girl. This collaborative mural project brings together global talent, local artists, and community voices to celebrate the strength of women and girls while raising awareness about ocean conservation. The third will be unveiled in December.
“Now more than ever we need to uplift young women and girls, they need to stand on our shoulders and be heard. Art is the most beautiful way we can do this, giving power to their voices and inspiring all to truly listen.” Sarah Witing Blowers POW
Internationally acclaimed Scottish muralist KMG is leading the creative vision, merging her signature folkloric style with the environmental mission at the heart of RUR and the feminist ethos of POW. As part of RUR’s residency programme, KMG will work alongside Margate-based artist Louis Michel to mentor rising local talent Nemi Gardner (aka Autonemy), who will paint the third and final mural in Margate.
“The murals are inspired by our own connections to living on the coast and the importance of the ocean within our own cultures, ecosystem and heritage. Taking influence by women in the past and present who have left and lead a legacy in championing the necessity to listen to and respect our seas and the creatures within. From folklore to science, telling a story of how we can coexist and protect each other.” KMG
‘It felt like somehow I had a prayer answered when I got offered to be a part of the mentoring programme, as painting purposeful murals has always been a dream of mine, and life as a woman graffiti artist is challenging, this couldn’t have come at a better time and I’m so grateful.’ AUTONEMY – mentored local artist
“I’m guided by the ocean to activate people on land and collectively share unheard, unseen or forgotten stories of empathy. Let’s rise up,” Louis Michel (RUR)
“Creative Debuts are thrilled to support the creation of ‘She Rises With The Sea’ and to transform spaces with impactful public artwork. This project resonates deeply on many levels with the mission we are on at Creative Debuts. The celebration and amplification of female artists is a core focus for us and aligned with ecological causes and raising awareness for our oceans is more important and urgent as every day passes. Art is the perfect vehicle for sparking conversations and for bringing communities together, and we have no doubt these stunning new murals will do just that.” Calum Hall, Creative Debuts
