about
WELCOME TO THE HEARTH ARTS CENTRE
The Arts Centre is a vibrant hub of creativity and as a charity our mission is to support Arts, Heritage, and Culture. It features working artist studios, a popular Café, and two event spaces available for hire. You can engage in a cultural programme of creative and practical workshops, activities, talks and Special Events including Art Fairs, Open Studios, Film, Music and Performance. We are dedicated to providing a space where artists and art lovers can come together to explore, create, and connect. With a cosy Café serving delicious food and drinks, we invite you to relax and enjoy the inspiring atmosphere of our centre. We look forward to welcoming you to The Hearth Arts Centre and Café.
The Hearth Centre (Horsley) Ltd was established in 2003, as a charity, we rely on support from visitors, individuals, trusts, foundations, public organisations and the corporate sector.
hireable spaces
HALL & HUB
The Hearth Hall and Hearth Hub are affordable spaces available for workshops & classes, community groups, special events, music gigs & theatre performance, private functions, workplace awaydays and meetings. Booking spaces is easy using the Hallmaster Booking Calendar.
PARTNERSHIPS
The Hearth Hall hosts concerts by local, national and international musicians. We have since 2022 extended our cultural offer. We are proud to be a local promoter for the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme whose high-quality professional and affordable musical events bringing people together, providing drama, music and laughter. In partnership with the Forum Cinema in Hexham we are a partner venue for the Tyne Valley Film Festival, bringing the power of film to connect, inspire, and create lasting memories.
the hearth café
TASTY HOME COOKED FOOD
The Café, run by Kevin Farren and Alanna Nash, is a beloved establishment with a loyal customer base. They are known for their excellent hospitality and community focus, attracting visitors from nearby towns and villages. In addition to their sit-in service, they also offer takeaways. The Café's catering services and hospitality are also available for fairs, special events, and workshops held in the Hearth Hall and Hub, making the experience even more memorable.
affordable studios
THE ROMANCE OF THE ARTISTS STUDIO'S
Since 2004 the Hearth Centre (Horsley) Ltd as a charity has provided affordable studio spaces for eight professional resident artists and makers. Our talented artists are more than happy to share their creative journeys with you. Surrounded by their tools, materials and work-in-progress, this is a glimpse behind the scenes and a chance to hear about their inspiration and the processes used in the making. Purchase original artworks, greeting cards, and gifts alongside bespoke services.
OPEN STUDIO WEEKENDS & FAIRS
Our bi-annual Art Fairs are well known for the quality and variety of locally made art and craft. The resident artists are joined by a selected group of guest artists and makers from the North East for a wonderful display in the hall, studios and courtyard. With a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, our fairs are an great opportunity to meet the makers, enjoying chatting and discover unique locally made art and craft for your home.
community connect
The Hearth has a commitment to the local community and considers local suppliers, artists and residents in all areas of endeavor. In 2021- 2024 with the continuing support of a grant from the Co-op Community Fund, we run social crafting workshops at subsidised rates for those affected by rural and social isolation. A team of volunteers make craft kits which are distributed to local family support groups, Newcastle West End Food Banks, Hexham Libraries in Wylam and Heddon partners and No 28 Community organisation in Hexham to provide craft materials and ideas for children’s crafts. We have also worked with AgeUK, Chrysalis offering art materials for older people to enjoy.
a special relationship
A RO-MANCE
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.
