About Us
We use the arts to inspire, empower, and connect individuals and communities, supporting personal development, well-being, and social change. We deliver workshops, projects, exhibitions and wellbeing activities across all art forms, backgrounds and abilities. Funded by Arts Council England & Charnwood Borough Council, we connect people, build skills, support wellbeing and make creativity accessible to everyone in Charnwood and beyond.
Charnwood Arts is a community arts and cultural organisation based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, in the East Midlands.
In 2026 we are celebrating 50 years of Charnwood Arts, which is a momentous occasion that honours five decades of creativity, collaboration, and community impact. From its humble beginnings to becoming a hub for local artists, Charnwood Arts has fostered a spirit of innovation, inclusion, and artistic expression, which we are extremely proud of. This milestone not only reflects the rich history and the countless individuals who have contributed to its success, but it also celebrates the transformative power of art in bringing people together, inspiring change, and enriching lives.
We aim to foster creativity and participation in the arts within the local community. We work across a range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, creative craft, music, multimedia and literature.
Charnwood Arts is known for its inclusive approach, engaging people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We organise workshops, events, exhibitions, and projects that promote community cohesion and cultural diversity.
We collaborate with local artists, community groups, and other organisations to deliver creative opportunities and cultural activities.
Charnwood Arts is funded by The Arts Council of England and Charnwood Borough Council primarily, but we rely on donations and additional funding using our charitable status, ensuring that 100% of our income is spent on the local community creative arts initiatives.
We are a small core team, making sure that we offer opportunities for emerging artists and project coordinators the opportunity to work with us on a freelance basis.
Charnwood Arts Governance ensures we work responsibly, accountably, and efficiently, with the right people and processes in place. Strategically led by the Board of Management, we are operationally run by our Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Key roles include Chair, Vice Chair, and Treasurer, alongside other leadership positions for specific strategic areas.
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