WESTON Artspace has shared the "sad" news that it will no longer be operating at its current home on 73 High Street.

The art studio aims to bring creative members of Weston's community together, whether it be painters, photographers, film-makers, and everyone in-between.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson from Weston Artspace said: "It is with sadness we share the news that Weston Artspace will no longer be operating at 73 High Street, its current home for the past five years.

"The building is owned by North Somerset Council and their plans are to refurbish and rent it to a commercial operator, so we need to find a new space to base ourselves in.

"We’re fully aware that this news isn’t just sad; for many, it’s going to be painfully hard to take in. Weston Artspace is more than just a building – it’s been a community, a safe space, and a source of joy for so many.

"We have watched as our members have grown in confidence and found new opportunities to develop their creative work. We are proud to have created and supported countless opportunities for people to get real, paid work in the arts.

"The arts and cultural scene in Weston is flourishing, and Weston Artspace has been right at the beating heart of it.

"Despite losing our High Street home, we remain positive for our future. So many friendships and networks have grown out Weston Artspace, and we know these will continue to grow to support people to keep on being creative."

 

A North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “73 High Street in Weston-super-Mare is part of The Sovereign. Meanwhile Foundation, a charity which manages some of the spaces on our behalf, has provided a licence to Weston Artspace to allow the organisation to operate from the building on a temporary basis, and without charge, since 2020.

“73 High Street needs extensive repair and renovation, which has been made possible thanks to our successful bid for £20 million investment from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund. 

"Work is due to start by the summer and is expected to complete by the end of the year.

 “Weston Artspace is a valued stakeholder and asset to the local community; we acknowledge the social value that the organisation brings. As such, we have been in discussion for some time – making them aware of our plans, and working hard to recommend a range of alternative premises.

"We’ll do what we can to help them continue to have a town centre presence.

“Once the work has completed on the building, which sits in a prime town centre location, we will look to market it for commercial occupation.

"Alongside the other town centre improvements, this aims to increase footfall into the town, consumer spending, business confidence, create jobs, and provide income to the council.”