Arts & Culture in Exeter & East Devon

Provides a collaborative platform for individuals and groups in Devon to enhance their animation and creative skills through workshops and community projects.

Aims to convert a disused barn at Home Farm into a vibrant community hub that offers a variety of activities and events for local residents. The hub will host creative workshops, social gatherings, and cultural events, fostering community engagement and providing a welcoming space for all. It specifically benefits the residents of Arlington and surrounding areas, promoting social interaction and community spirit. Their unique approach includes hands-on activities like pottery classes, enhancing local arts and crafts engagement.

Offers sensory experiences, creative workshops, and supportive group gatherings aimed at helping individuals manage stress and emotional overwhelm. They empower people of all ages to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings, fostering mental well-being and mindfulness within a welcoming community. Their unique approach includes using stillness, scent, and ancient wisdom to promote personal growth and community support. Based in Kilmington, they provide a space for participants to learn practical tools for stress management and emotional resilience.

Provides group and individual brass instrument tuition to primary school children across the South West of England, specifically in Devon. The program fosters musical skills and teamwork through engaging lessons, encouraging young learners from Year 2 onwards to develop a love for music and performance. Students participate in regular group performances, learning to play in a band from their very first lesson. BandStars also offers affordable instrument hire and utilizes fun, familiar music to enhance the learning experience.

Offers a creative hub for musicians and artists to develop their work through workshops, retreats, and performance opportunities. They provide tailored experiences for local creatives of all ages and abilities, fostering artistic expression and collaboration in a tranquil setting within Exmoor National Park. The CIC hosts various musical events and courses led by a resident professional musician, ensuring that participants can engage in a supportive and inspiring environment. Additionally, they offer self-catering accommodation options for those looking to immerse themselves in the creative process.

Provides a platform for marginalized communities, particularly focusing on women with additional needs, women of colour, and women experiencing mental health conditions. They publish an online magazine that features articles, opinion pieces, and poetry aimed at empowering underrepresented voices. The organization fosters inclusivity and raises awareness around issues of accessibility and representation through community-driven initiatives and engaging publications. They operate primarily online, reaching a diverse audience with their content and initiatives.

Promotes the art of local artists and makers from North Devon through live and virtual exhibitions. They provide an online sales gallery for over 190 artists, facilitating the sale of their work. The organization also runs workshops and masterclasses to support artists in areas such as funding and career development. With a permanent gallery space, Art Upstairs, they foster community engagement and creativity in Bideford and beyond.

Offers hands-on pottery workshops and events designed to make ceramics accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds in the local community. They provide a safe and relaxed environment that promotes creativity, personal expression, and well-being, particularly targeting children, young people, and adults through tailored sessions. Sustainability is a core principle, with initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting ethical practices. The academy collaborates with local organizations to enhance its community impact.

Offers a variety of creative courses and bespoke commissions aimed at reducing isolation and fostering community connections. Their workshops include pottery, woodwork, leatherwork, and cookery, designed to empower individuals, particularly those classified as vulnerable. Operating in Exeter, they also collect reclaimed timber and metal for use in their projects, promoting sustainability and the circular economy. Their initiatives, such as the Chop and Chat programme, focus on inclusivity and removing barriers to engagement for participants.

Offers engaging hands-on STEM education programs, workshops, and clubs designed for primary and secondary school students, families, and businesses. Their activities include coding, robotics, and creative problem-solving sessions that inspire curiosity and confidence in young learners. Operating primarily in Cornwall and Devon, they provide tailored workshops linked to school curricula and innovative corporate training experiences. Unique to their approach is the integration of LEGO Serious Play to foster teamwork and creativity in business settings.

Creates high-quality, engaging community and professional projects that emphasize environmental themes. They utilize the arts to foster public engagement with the natural landscape, focusing on under-represented groups within the community. Their initiatives include projects like 'Woods for Well-being' and various artistic expressions related to nature, aimed at breaking down barriers to involvement. Operating in North Devon, they also offer products like charcoal and biochar through a partner company.

Offers a variety of art courses, workshops, and community events aimed at promoting creativity and well-being among individuals of all ages. Located in East Devon, they provide unique experiences that include nature-based projects, painting, foraging, and other artistic pursuits on their 6-acre site. The organization emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, encouraging participants to explore their creativity in a nurturing environment. They also facilitate volunteering opportunities and collaborative projects, fostering a sense of connection and support within the community.

Offers a variety of crafting sessions, workshops, and social groups aimed at enhancing wellbeing and reducing social isolation among local residents in Ilfracombe and nearby areas. The organization promotes creativity and sustainability by providing resources for creative projects and encouraging the reuse of materials. Their activities are designed to foster community connections and support individuals in expressing themselves through art and craft. By engaging the community in these creative endeavors, they aim to improve mental health and overall quality of life.

Organizes community-focused events in rural Devon, with a particular emphasis on the Altitude Festival. This festival showcases a diverse lineup of live music, family entertainment, and local food and drink, creating an inclusive atmosphere for attendees. The organization aims to foster social interaction and cultural engagement among residents and visitors, while also raising funds for local charities and community needs. With a capacity of 2,500, the festival is designed to maintain an intimate and friendly environment for all ages.

Hosts regular film screenings that celebrate cult classics and forgotten gems while fostering an interactive community experience. The club encourages participation through themed events, fancy dress, and activities like crafts and karaoke.

Provides outdoor enrichment programs for children, fostering connections with nature through hands-on activities. The project enhances children's emotional and physical well-being while encouraging curiosity and creativity in natural environments.

Specializes in creative placemaking to empower communities through innovative initiatives like the 'Squilometre'. They connect individuals and groups to enhance local environments and foster stronger relationships.

Provides resources and support for schools in North Devon to establish model clubs that enhance children's practical skills and creativity. They offer starter models, specialist tutorials, and guidance for both pupils and teachers, focusing on improving mental well-being and social skills through model making. The initiative serves children and families in the local community, aiming to provide a healthy alternative to screen time and address rising anxiety levels among young people. Their unique approach emphasizes the benefits of hands-on activities in fostering imagination and calmness.

Offers participatory photography projects and workshops aimed at empowering individuals and communities whose voices are often overlooked. They work with schools, charities, and community groups to design projects that help participants express their experiences through photography, fostering personal development and self-esteem. By providing a safe environment for creative expression, they gather authentic insights that can inform policy and bring about social change. Operating primarily in Colyton and surrounding areas, their unique approach combines technical support with guided activities to explore important issues within communities.

Lyme Bay Arts C.I.C. is a community interest company based in Seaton, Devon, dedicated to supporting local artists and makers by providing exhibition spaces and facilitating visual arts initiatives. They focus on enhancing cultural engagement and accessibility to the arts for both residents and visitors in the South West region.

Offers accessible musical education and creative opportunities for individuals with additional needs, focusing on building an adapted music studio and workshop. They create an inclusive environment where students can thrive, overcoming barriers often faced in traditional learning settings. Their initiatives aim to support individuals in developing their musical talents and confidence, particularly those who have been impacted by isolation and mental health challenges. Operating in Exeter, they provide a sensory festival experience that combines music, lights, and interactive instruments to foster community engagement.

Facilitates the donation and redistribution of pre-loved toys, ensuring that children in need have access to quality play items. The organization operates a community zero waste project that creatively transforms broken toys through workshops, promoting environmental sustainability and reducing landfill waste. They specifically support families facing financial difficulties by providing affordable options for toys and offering gift vouchers for children in need. Located in Axminster, they engage volunteers and the local community in their mission to make play accessible for all children.

Creates welcoming spaces in Exeter for parents, children, and older adults to reduce isolation and foster connections. Offers creative play sessions, parent-and-child groups, and community events that support families and promote social interaction across all ages.

Offers a unique and adaptable venue for a diverse range of cultural events, including theatre performances, film screenings, and art classes in Tiverton, Devon. The CIC supports local artists, community groups, and residents by providing a platform for creativity and collaboration. They run the monthly Tiverton Creative Club to encourage artistic development and foster connections among arts practitioners. Additionally, they engage the community in revitalizing a historic Victorian church space through various cultural and life-affirming activities.

Our Exeter CIC focuses on reducing social isolation in the Exeter community through creative initiatives, particularly the Whipton Sewing Bank, which offers free sewing groups for adults. They provide a supportive environment for individuals at risk of social isolation, promoting skill development and social interaction.

Provides a creative space for community engagement through visual arts, offering studios, workshops, and exhibitions. The organization aims to inspire and connect diverse audiences, including local artists and community members in Exeter. They focus on fostering creativity and collaboration within the community, making art accessible to everyone. Their unique approach encourages participation from various demographics, promoting inclusivity and artistic expression.

Offers a year-round program designed to connect, support, empower, and promote local teenage musicians aged 13 to 19 in Devon. Participants benefit from a variety of services including workshops tailored to individual needs, live performance opportunities, and access to professional recording facilities. The initiative fosters a supportive community that emphasizes mental health and artistic growth, providing a safe space for young musicians to collaborate and develop their skills. Utilizing the beautiful rooms at Powderham Castle and online sessions, they create an inclusive environment for all aspiring artists.

Creates and presents innovative dance performances that emphasize collaboration and emotional connectivity in choreography. The company actively engages diverse audiences and provides development opportunities for local dancers in Exeter and surrounding areas. They also work with community groups to develop inclusive, intergenerational performances that foster community engagement and participation. Their unique approach focuses on emotional storytelling through dance, making the art form accessible to a wide range of participants.

Offers nature-based programs focused on integrative health and creative wellbeing, including Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), environmental arts, and specialist therapies. They aim to support individuals, particularly health and social care workers experiencing burnout, by providing peer support and creative activities in serene outdoor settings. Their initiatives include free community activities and projects designed to foster connection with nature and each other. Operating primarily in Exeter, they emphasize the importance of nature, creativity, and community in promoting overall health.

Creates thought-provoking and engaging performances that empower and support women and children in the local community. Their productions, such as 'The Mushroom Show' and 'The Snow Beast,' blend humor and social commentary, aiming to inspire audiences of all ages. They also offer workshops and collaborative artistic initiatives that foster creativity and community involvement. Based in Exeter, they focus on delivering performances that explore feminist themes and engage with social and political issues.

Enhances public spaces in Seaton and surrounding areas by placing art in diverse locations such as cafes, restaurants, public buildings, and outdoor settings. They offer accessible visual arts and crafts classes and workshops aimed at engaging the local community and making art inclusive for all residents. The initiative is designed to reach a wider audience following the closure of a previous art space, focusing on creativity in everyday environments. Their unique approach includes displaying art in unconventional places like telephone boxes and empty shop windows, fostering community engagement and appreciation for the arts.

Offers community singing sessions and musical events designed to enhance mental and physical wellbeing for individuals of all ages. Participants can join supportive singing groups that focus on the therapeutic benefits of music, fostering a sense of community and connection. Based in Tiverton, the organization aims to provide accessible opportunities for everyone to experience the joy of singing together. Their unique approach combines educational elements with a passion for music, led by experienced directors who have a background in performance and teaching.

Offers welcoming sessions focused on movement, mindfulness, and creative wellbeing, catering to individuals of all ages and abilities. The organization creates safe and inclusive spaces where participants can engage in activities like QiGong and yoga, promoting both mental and physical health. They aim to reduce barriers to participation, ensuring that everyone feels supported and included in their wellbeing journey. Based in Barnstaple, North Devon, they serve the local community with a focus on fostering connections and enhancing overall wellbeing.

Offers a platform for local and national artists to showcase their work through a diverse range of exhibitions and creative workshops. The gallery serves as a project space and studios, fostering community engagement and enhancing access to the arts for individuals and groups in North Devon. They support both emerging and established artists, encouraging collaboration and creativity within the local arts scene. Additionally, they provide opportunities for community involvement through open calls and visitor surveys to help shape future programming.

Offers high-quality music experiences and community engagement through live events, creative workshops, and the SPL Radio initiative. They focus on empowering young people in East Devon by providing opportunities for artistic expression and collaboration. The CIC aims to foster community connections and showcase grassroots talent, contributing to a vibrant local music culture. Their programs include event production workshops specifically designed for youth, encouraging creativity and community involvement.

Promotes opera and performing arts in Exmouth, Devon, by providing a platform for local artists and performers to showcase their talents. The organization engages audiences of all ages through concerts and performances, fostering a love for opera and enhancing cultural enrichment within the community. They also focus on educational initiatives to introduce opera to new audiences, ensuring accessibility and appreciation for the art form. Their events often feature a variety of performances, including well-known operatic works and local talent.

Tawland Events C.I.C. organizes community-focused events in North Tawton and the surrounding areas, including the annual Tawland Music Festival and competitions like the Battle of the Bands. Their activities aim to engage and entertain local residents, fostering community spirit and raising funds to support future initiatives.

Offers a vibrant space for live music and community events, hosting a diverse range of performances including bands, DJs, and spoken word sessions. The venue serves as a cultural hub for local residents and artists, providing opportunities for engagement through events like open mic nights and community socials. They aim to enrich the cultural life of the area by making entertainment accessible to all. The Barrel House Ballroom also fosters a welcoming environment for marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, through dedicated events.

Operates as a non-profit café and community space, specializing in Liège waffles and offering a diverse menu that includes gluten-free and vegan options. They serve individuals and families in Axminster and Lyme Regis, fostering social connections through community events like live music and collaborative workspaces. The Waffle House aims to reduce loneliness and promote social inclusion by providing a welcoming environment for all. Their unique approach includes a commitment to using a family recipe for their waffles and hosting a free weekly live music program to engage the local community.

Showcases the creativity of local artisan makers through short films, photographs, and interviews while providing resources like masterclasses and podcasts to support creative individuals in growing their businesses.