About Us

We use the arts to inspire, empower, and connect individuals and communities, supporting personal development, well-being, and social change.

Charnwood Arts is a community arts and cultural organisation based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, in the East Midlands.

Established in 1976, 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, festivals, 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.

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    Programmes

    Our initiatives span creative crafts, visual arts, music, film, and digital media, engaging the community of Charnwood in participatory and collaborative projects. Our programmes often emphasise community storytelling, cultural diversity, and social connection, supporting both emerging and established artists while fostering opportunities for creative learning and public engagement.

    Programmes
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    Exhibitions

    Our exhibition space provides a welcoming platform for artists of all background’s professional, emerging, and amateur to showcase their work in an inclusive and accessible environment. The space often features a diverse range of exhibitions, from painting, photography, and sculpture to digital media and collaborative community projects.

    Exhibitions
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    Workshops

    Our workshops are led by skilled artists and facilitators who not only share their expertise but also nurture individual talent and confidence. Our community centred approach means we often draw on local stories, cultures, and experiences, creating a strong sense of belonging and shared purpose.

    Workshops
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    Events

    Whether it’s our annual Bell Festival, celebrating what makes Loughborough good, a pop-up gallery or outdoor performance, Charnwood Arts events are known for their welcoming atmosphere, creativity, and ability to bring people together to celebrate shared culture and imagination.

    Events
Outdoor festival with colourful hanging art and people gathered among trees.
Indoor exhibit with large woven branch sculptures resembling roots or tree trunks, surrounded by children and adults engaging with educational displays about Charnwood Forest.
Two children making colourful finger paintings with brushes and finger paints on paper and newspaper, on a wooden table.
Group of children and adults gathered around a woman reading a paper under a wooden shelter with green trees in the background.
Colourful birdhouses and a small painted structure on trees, with a sign reading '100 Habitats' outdoors in a wooded area.
Three men working on a wooden bench with carved and engraved designs in a forested outdoor area.
Colorful decorative insect hotels made from painted wood and cardboard tubes, placed outdoors on a wooden surface.
Colourful painted designs on a wooden post outdoors with green foliage in the background.

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