Business Details
45 Years
experience
Creative Arts Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne
Established in 1981, Newcastle Arts Centre is a not-for-profit enterprise dedicated to revitalising historic buildings and fostering creative activity. Our mission combines cultural preservation with community engagement, offering art courses, exhibitions, live music, and venue hire. With a heritage of restoring 18th-century architecture, including the city's first Assembly House, we provide accessible spaces for artists, performers, and local groups.Our programmes span adult and youth art education, jazz events, and sustainable initiatives like energy-efficient retrofits. Recognised with awards from RIBA and the Georgian Group, we prioritise inclusivity, environmental responsibility, and supporting regional creative talent through studios, exhibitions, and collaborative projects.
Services
Art Courses
Venue Hire
Live Music
Art Exhibitions
Craft Shop
Studio Rentals
Framing Services
Gift Vouchers
Jazz Events
Online Streaming
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in arts education and heritage restoration.
- Our venues host diverse cultural events in listed historic buildings.
- We provide accessible, inclusive spaces for artists and community groups.
- Our sustainability initiatives reduce environmental impact in historic settings.
- We support emerging talent through studio rentals and exhibition opportunities.
Associations and certifications
- RIBA Community Enterprise Award
- Georgian Group Award
Services
Art Courses
We deliver practical art education for adults and youth, including painting, printmaking, and life drawing. Our courses cater to all skill levels, with expert tutors and flexible formats. Participants gain hands-on experience in historic studios, fostering personal creativity and technical development.
Venue Hire
Our flexible spaces accommodate conferences, weddings, and cultural events in unique historic settings. The Black Swan basement venue offers accessible facilities with audio-visual equipment. Capacity ranges from 60 to 130 guests, with tailored packages for private and corporate bookings.
Live Music
The Black Swan hosts regular jazz jams, themed music nights, and touring artists. Our programme features local and international talent across genres including blues, klezmer, and folk. Weekly events provide performance opportunities for emerging musicians and immersive experiences for audiences.
Art Exhibitions
We showcase contemporary visual art through rotating exhibitions in our historic gallery spaces. Emerging and established artists receive curatorial support and promotional exposure. The programme includes student showcases, community projects, and collaborations with regional arts organisations.
Studio Rentals
Professional studios are available for artists, small arts organisations, and creative businesses. Tenants benefit from 24/7 access, high-speed internet, and proximity to cultural amenities. Spaces vary in size to accommodate individual practitioners and collaborative projects within Newcastle's creative community.
Questions
What art courses do you offer for beginners?
We provide introductory courses in drawing, painting, printmaking, and crafts with no prior experience required. Classes are taught in small groups by professional artists at our historic studios.
Can I hire your venue for a private event?
Yes, The Black Swan basement accommodates weddings, conferences, and parties with capacities from 60-130 guests. Our packages include staffed bar, AV equipment, and accessible facilities.
Are your exhibitions free to attend?
Most gallery exhibitions are free, though some special events may require ticketed entry. Check our programme listings for specific exhibition details and opening times.
Do you have accessible facilities?
Our new venue conversion includes wheelchair access from Pink Lane, accessible toilets, induction loop, and lift access to performance spaces meeting modern accessibility standards.
How can artists apply for studio space?
Contact our administration team to discuss availability. We prioritise creative practitioners contributing to Newcastle's cultural ecosystem, with flexible tenancy options for individuals and small organisations.
What sustainability initiatives do you have?
We've installed LED lighting, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems while preserving historic fabric. Our restoration projects reuse materials, and we promote low-impact creative practices among tenants.
