Hebden Bridge Arts

Hebden Bridge Arts

Who we are and what we do
Hebden Bridge Arts Festival has transformed into Hebden Bridge Arts: connect | create | present.

We are partnering with local communities and organisations to connect with people across Calderdale, working with them and professional artists to create and present art, in all its forms, to the public. We are now working all year round rather than via an annual festival, and the work we create and how we share it with the world will differ and grow each year.

Our 2022-2023 project is Open Space 70. Over a festival weekend in July 2023, 70 exhibitions, happenings, performances and walks will take place across Hebden Bridge and the surrounding area, all celebrating the natural world and sharing calls for action and change.

Between now and the festival weekend communities, individuals, environmental experts, professional artists, facilitators, and first-time makers, will work together to create Open Space 70. The festival will take place in people’s homes and yards, in gardens, barns and fields, on boats and in public outdoor spaces.

The theme of Open Space 70 is climate emergency and what creative action we can all take to tackle it.

For 2023-2024 we will work with other professional artists and organisations, community groups and the public to jointly produce a large scale production / performance, also on the theme of environmental responsibility.

Our Impact on the Community
Our opportunities to connect, create and share work are usually free to access. We've been working with six Calderdale-wide groups, bringing the benefit of the arts and creativity to underserved communities, and we've given the public various opportunities to be involved with our 2021-2022 projects, Land Marks and Crossings.

Overall 450 people participated in the work made for Land Marks / Crossings, and over 750 people visited our exhibition at Hardcastle Crags in April. At our Open Space 70 launch day in June 2022, 150 people tried something new via a free workshop or walk and more the 250 people visited us to enjoy the art exhibition, live music by young performers, gain information and have important conversations about our project and the local environment.

We will work further with our partner organisations, whilst also creating opportunities for our communities to get involved on all of our projects. We support local artists and create freelance commissions, and provide mentoring and co-production opportunities.

We're a lean outfit and operate efficiently, without premises, with two part-time people at the helm. This means more of your donation goes to support our actual outward facing work, connecting with people, creating work together and sharing what we've made.

Thank you for your support - it really means a lot.

Volunteers needed

Hebden Bridge Arts would not be possible without the support of our incredible volunteers. Volunteering is an amazing opportunity to see inside the organisation of our projects and events, meet artists and organisers, and be a creative cheerleader for us. Volunteers Specification: Passion for or appreciation of the arts in a vibrant community setting An enjoyment of team working Friendly and approachable Confident communicator Calm and dependable Understanding of the local area Keen to acquire new skills Opportunity open to everyone over 16 Could you join the gang and support us in our new project, Open Space 70? Each volunteering opportunity comes with a full briefing and is supported by staff and / or trustees. Most volunteer ‘shifts’ are 2-4 hours long, and you can give as little or as much time as you can spare over the year. Our main volunteer tasks are helping us with running events, workshops, walks or exhibitions, such as greeting people, looking after a stall, keeping an eye on art work, assisting people where needed and making sure everyone feels welcome, safe and has the information they need.

What your gift could provide

£50

buys art materials for one of our creative workshops

£25

prints posters so we can promote our community opportunities

£10

funds refreshments for our amazing session volunteers

Charity Information

Address: The Town Hall, St. Georges Street, Hebden Bridge West Yorkshire HX7 7BY

Registered charity no.: 1070600