about
A registered charity, in the heart of Horsley. A place where creativity, café hospitality, community and culture converge
THE CENTRE FEATURES eight working artist studios, a popular café, and two versatile event spaces.
WE ARE DEDICATED TO enriching lives and fostering creativity—transforming shared experiences into meaningful connections. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment where artists and art lovers come together to explore, create, and connect. With a cosy café serving delicious food and drinks, we invite you to relax, linger, and enjoy the inspiring atmosphere of the Centre.
PARTNERSHIPS
To extending our cultural offer and increase access to the arts.
WE HOST concerts by local, national, and international musicians. Since 2022, we have expanded our cultural offer and are proud to be a local promoter for the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme, bringing high-quality, professional, and affordable performances to our community—filled with drama, music, and laughter.
FILM AT THE HEARTH, in partnership with Forum Cinema, Hexham, makes us a proud venue for the Tyne Valley Film Festival—using the power of film to connect people, spark conversation, and create lasting memories.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
The Hearth uses creativity as a tool for connection, inclusion, and positive social impact
The Hearth is committed to supporting its local community and prioritises local suppliers, artists, and residents in all areas of our work. With the support of Community Funding, we deliver social crafting workshops at subsidised rates for people affected by rural and social isolation.
Our volunteer team creates and distributes craft kits to local family support groups, Newcastle West End Food Banks, Hexham Libraries in Wylam and Heddon, and No.28 Community Organisation in Hexham—offering creative materials and ideas for children and families. In addition, we have worked with Age UK and Chrysalis, supplying art materials to support creativity and enjoyment among older people.
THE YEAR ROUND PROGRAMME
At The Hearth, a vibrant mix
At The Hearth, creative workshops, activities, and events are initiated and led by a vibrant mix of creatives, cultural practitioners, talented volunteers, wellbeing professionals, and organisations from across the North East of England.
We support those delivering the programme by providing marketing assistance, maintaining welcoming and well-equipped spaces, offering start-up funding for some volunteer-led groups, partly funded through the hire of our facilities and fundraising activities.
STUDIO SPACE
Empowering artists, inspiring visitors
Since 2004, The Hearth Centre (Horsley) Ltd has been providing affordable studio spaces for eight professional working artists and makers as part of its charitable mission.
Visitors can step behind the scenes and discover the stories behind the art. - either through a personal one-to-one visit or, when available, a walk-in studio experience.
SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP
Proud of our heritage
We are located in a restored early 17th-century manse, with its wattle and daub walls. The Hearth came into existence in 2004 as an outreach community initiative supported by Horsley Village Church, funding agencies and private donations. The church undertook renovations of the manse, hall and surroundings to restore them into what we know today as The Hearth Arts Centre and Cafe to provide educational and recreational activities for the community of Horsley and beyond.
HEARTH CAFE
Taste, community, and care—served daily
The Café, run by Kevin Farren and Alanna Nash, is a cherished local favorite, known for its warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere. With a loyal customer base, it attracts visitors from nearby towns and villages who come for both the excellent food and the sense of community. Alongside its sit-in service, the Café offers convenient takeaways, ensuring everyone can enjoy its offerings.
Beyond everyday dining, the Café extends its hospitality to fairs, special events, and workshops held in the Hearth Hall and Hub, providing catering services that make every occasion truly memorable.
