Can you tell us about Weston Artspace, who you are and what you do?
Weston Artspace is a registered Community Interest Company, founded in 2020. We are a volunteer-led creative community that supports people to make art and connect with others. Our aim is to inspire people to be their best selves through creativity, by supporting emerging and established artists. Rooted in community ambition and a collaborative approach to culture, we run free and low-cost art sessions across Weston-super-Mare, reaching those who may not usually access the arts. Weston Artspace is a space for people to come together, share experiences, grow their skills and creativity, and feel better through making and connecting.
Can you tell us why you set up and why Weston Artspace The is important in the context that you are working in?
Weston Artspace began in 2019, set up by arts organisation Terrestrial as a year-long community project. The space was named by local people and handed over to the volunteer team who helped run it. Since leaving the studio in 2024, the community has kept the organisation going. Being artist-led means it's shaped by the people who use it. It offers connection, creativity, and a sense of belonging especially important for mental wellbeing. In a town with limited access to the arts, Weston Artspace creates space for people to come together and support each other through creativity.
Can you tell us about what you are currently working on and if you have any projects coming up you’d like to share with our network?
Weston Artspace runs regular creative groups across Weston-super-Mare, including Hooked (textiles), Collage Club, Comic Book Group, Sketchbook Group, and Life Drawing. These sessions are open to all and offer a welcoming space to explore creativity with others. We’re also excited to announce we’ve received funding from the West of England’s Culture West programme to launch a new membership-based maker space, opening in September. This will offer tools, materials, and shared space for local creative. More details will be posted on our socials and the website very soon.
Can you describe your space and context, and how you operate and are funded?
Weston Artspace is run entirely by volunteers and currently has very limited funding. We run a weekly 10-week creative course every Tuesday at We Are Super in The Sovereign, funded by Community Learning. Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships with local organisations who generously offer spaces for our groups. Sketchbook and Collage groups meet at Stacks Café in The Sovereign, Life Drawing takes place at The Front Room, and Hooked meets at Aller Parade Community Hub, owned by Alliance Homes. Artspace is currently seeking funds to run new projects and support the opening of a new studio space in September.
Find out more:
Facebook Weston Artspace
Instagram Weston Artspace WSM
Website www.westonartspace.com
