While Madonna might typically be found gracing the front rows of Paris Fashion Week or attending glamorous awards season parties at this time of year, the globally renowned superstar embarked on a distinctly different journey this week. The well-travelled icon headed to the Kent seaside town of Margate, which she has enthusiastically declared has become one of her favourite destinations.
A Creative Pilgrimage
The singer travelled to the coastal town specifically to support her close friend, the celebrated artist Dame Tracey Emin. Madonna visited Emin's studio and her dedicated art school initiative, known as the Tracey Emin Artist Residency, or TEAR. To commemorate her trip, Madonna shared a series of photographs on Instagram, posing alongside artists based at the residency.
Heartfelt Tributes and Secret Spots
In a lengthy and heartfelt caption accompanying her posts, Madonna offered glowing praise. She described her friend Tracey as "a Pearl. A precious necklace that has been draped around a seaside Town in England called Margate." She went on to rave about the town's atmosphere, stating it is "inhabited and energized by creativity. Writers and performance artists, photographers, and painters. This is my idea of heaven. Whenever I go there, I feel like I’ve entered a dream."
Madonna also revealed she has a favourite Italian restaurant in Margate, though she playfully refused to name it, teasing her followers by saying, "I’m not giving anyone the name of because then everyone’s going to go there and it only has one table!!"
Celebrating a 25-Year Friendship and Artistic Vision
Reflecting on her quarter-century friendship with Dame Tracey, Madonna wrote, "I’ve always been a fan of her extremely personal and provocative work. But what she has created in this community by the sea is quite remarkable." She highlighted the importance of the residency programme, which invites young international artists to live and paint in Margate for several months.
"Artists who otherwise would have no place to paint and develop their talent and be a part of the many exhibitions that happen around Margate," she explained. Madonna noted she has visited several times and is "always struck by the commitment and passion of all of these artists," describing them as "Hungry, possessed, and extremely grateful to have this opportunity."
She concluded her post on a positive note, writing it was "good to share something in the news that is not about hatred and killing but celebrates human connection and the ability that Art has to elevate people. To bring people together."
Artists' Delight and Local Pride
Dame Tracey Emin expressed her gratitude for the visit on her own Instagram, thanking Madonna for her "insightful conversations and generosity in discussing all the art and works." She also revealed that the superstar didn't just visit the main studio but took time to explore individual artists' exhibitions throughout the town as part of the grassroots Off Season event.
The visit caused a stir among the local artistic community. Many artists were thrilled to be tagged in the post by the A-lister, who boasts over 20.3 million Instagram followers. Artist Esme Keenleyside shared that Madonna had purchased one of her paintings, while Anderson Asteclines posted, "feeling grateful and humbled. This small painting of cruising characters now belongs to her. So so happy xx."
Margate residents were equally delighted, flooding Madonna's post with supportive comments. One local wrote, "So pleased you enjoyed yourself in our little town. We’re incredibly proud to be associated with Dame Emin. She’s a huge support to the town and investing in our growth."
Margate's Renaissance
Madonna is not the first famous face to show support for Tracey Emin's work in Kent; over the years, figures like Kate Moss and the late fashion designer Vivienne Westwood have also visited. The town itself has undergone a significant transformation.
After decades as a beloved British seaside destination, Margate experienced a period of decline. However, in recent years—particularly post-pandemic—it has emerged as a fashionable hotspot, even earning the nickname 'Shoreditch-on-Sea' for its appeal to Londoners seeking a coastal change. Data indicates nearly 6,000 people relocated from London to the Thanet area, which includes Margate, in the three years following the pandemic alone.
This influx has had a notable impact on the local property market. Over a ten-year period from 2013, average asking prices in the seaside town more than doubled, rising by a staggering 102 percent. Locals attribute this growth to the combination of beach and sea views, improved facilities, good transport links, and property prices that remain more affordable than those in the capital, attracting buyers looking for second homes and Airbnb rentals.
The town's star-studded connections continue to grow, with British indie rock legend and Libertines' co-frontman Pete Doherty also among its notable residents. Madonna's visit underscores Margate's burgeoning reputation as a creative hub and a desirable destination, blending artistic community with coastal charm.
