Who We Are
Newbiggin Arts Centre (NAC) is a local community-based charity operating out of two facilities in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland. We are a charity committed to providing a safe, accessible, inclusive (and fun!) environment for the community and visitors alike where they can benefit from, and enjoy art, in all its forms. We strive to create a thriving, vibrant, ‘buzzing’ environment. A place where artists and visitors want to come, not just to paint or buy paintings, but to learn, share, and socialise.
What We Do
We offer various classes, clubs, and workshops, suitable for every level of skill in painting, drawing and other fine and applied arts. We have various classes for the beginner and for those more advanced, who want a refresher course. We provide a wide variety of workshops for all levels, and offer mixed sessions (or clubs) for those who just want to get together to be creative and socialise.
We have a Children’s Art Group which plays a staple and key role in helping us meet the community’s needs. Not only do the children learn new skills, the classes also help them in their personal development and to form new friendships. Several events through the year, such as the mosaic workshop, the lantern making classes, and Christmas parade provide them with additional opportunities to enjoy NAC’s offer and play an active part in our community.
NAC is also proud to be able to provide a venue for displaying (and selling) local and visiting artists’ paintings. We change the displays regularly, so we can keep things fresh and interesting for visitors and artists coming to the Centre.
For anyone needing art supplies, we also have a shop where people can drop by and pick up what they need. We stock a wide range of the materials and equipment, as used at the Centres for classes and clubs.
NAC is the place for all arts…it is also the place where people make friends, not just in the classroom, but outside too….going for a coffee after class, organising Christmas meals and visits to other venues.
We also put on special community events and displays through the year which are promoted through social media, press releases, and printed material.
We love to help people learn, not just art, but about the business side of running a charity. We do this through our volunteer and internship programmes.
Volunteer Programme
If you want to gain experience or develop your IT, finance, or marketing skills, or even just make some connections through opening up the studios, then give us a call—we are always looking for volunteers!
Art Internship Programme
Are you an art student looking to gain some practical experience to complement your studies? If so, we have an internship programme where you can do just that! We can provide you with the opportunity to develop and deliver a workshop or class where you would take responsibility for all aspects, including conducting a needs assessment, designing the event, advertising, and delivering the workshop or class. All this with one-on-one support from a mentor. Interested? Then please get in touch, you won’t regret it!