Weston Artspace to host final events in High Street home

Weston Artspace aims to bring creative members of the local community together, whether it be painters, photographers, film-makers, and everyone in-between.

The team has said that they need to vacant the premises by May 12.

Speaking last week, a spokesperson from Weston Artspace said: "Lots coming up during our last month at 73 High Street, a new location is still a work in progress, we will update you as soon as there’s news.

"Weston Artspace would like to thank North Somerset Council for allowing us to use the building for the past five years, its developed into a thriving creative community which will continue to thrive after we move out.

"Saturday April 13 is the start of two weeks of exhibitions and workshops thanks to funding from Arts Council England and support from Super Culture.

"Saturday 13 is launch day with entertainment from three of the talented From The Mud singing by Blitz Time Sally and samba band parade from Grove Park bandstand at 12pm to Weston Artspace.

"There’s two free creative workshops at We Are Super creating creative fabric patches and at Artspace creating origami butterflies to add to the exhibition at Artspace.

"As well as all of that the mayor will be joining us for the opening!"

Other events will include a self-portrait workshop, a floral wands and wristlets session and a poetry exercise, to name a few.

Events at Weston Artspace. (Image: Weston Artspace)

Speaking back in February, 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.”