At The Art House, we celebrate creativity and culture in Wakefield and put it at the heart of the city’s economic, social and cultural regeneration. However, the city, which was already struggling economically, was hit particularly hard by the pandemic; especially the culture and leisure sectors. The economy footfall mid-week, during the evening, is still low. We know that 59% of residents in Wakefield do not actively engage in culture and Wakefield’s adult population reports above average rates of anxiety and depression.

We create opportunities for cultural engagement. Our 48 studios, three Maker Spaces and two Galleries house the largest group of artists and creatives under one roof in the city. We are also the only studio space purpose built for accessibility in the region, and one of the few in the country. Our exhibitions, open studios, public classes and free events provide a myriad of ways for people to get creative together. Artwalk is one of our many community programmes that holds Wakefield at its heart – its curated by Wakey, for Wakey. Artwalk takes art out of the gallery and into the community, making it engaging and accessible for everyone. It showcases local artists, brings our community together, helps increase mid-week trade to local bars and restaurants and highlights the work of local community groups and creative projects. Artwalk is unique to Wakefield – no other city has anything quite like it.