The Art Exchange

The Art Exchange The Art Exchange is a place where creatives can share their work, kids and adult workshops/parties

🕊️ Refugee Week at The Art Exchange CIC 🕊️We have a few incredibly special events lined up this week in partnership with...
15/06/2026

🕊️ Refugee Week at The Art Exchange CIC 🕊️

We have a few incredibly special events lined up this week in partnership with Wakefield Council to celebrate culture, connection, and community.

Due to recent and current events, we don’t feel it is safe or appropriate to advertise the full details, times, or specific schedules publicly. Our absolute priority is keeping our studio a safe, welcoming, and protective sanctuary for everyone involved.

However, if you are a supporter, a community member, or someone who would love to join us in a safe space for art, music, or mindfulness, please don't hesitate to reach out. 🥺

👉 Get in Touch: Drop us a private message directly or email us at [email protected] and we will gladly share the details with you privately.

Thank you for understanding and for helping us keep our community safe. ❤️✨

🎨 CALLING ALL NEURODIVERGENT TEENS: WE NEED YOU! 🎨Are you (or is your teen) looking for a creative space that actually g...
31/05/2026

🎨 CALLING ALL NEURODIVERGENT TEENS: WE NEED YOU! 🎨

Are you (or is your teen) looking for a creative space that actually gets it? A place where you can drop the mask, create massive things, and be surrounded by a tribe that speaks your language?

Applications are officially open for our National Lottery Funded creative programme, and we are looking for the next wave of ND teens to take over the studio.

This isn’t some boring, restrictive school art project. This is a professional studio environment where your unique brain is your biggest artistic asset—and you get to work entirely at your own pace.

✨ Why this is different:

1-on-1 to Start: We don't throw you straight into a crowd. Every student starts on a completely one-to-one basis with us. We stay 1-on-1 until you feel totally comfortable and confident enough to transition into working alongside our small, friendly groups.

Tailored for You: We adapt the studio to your specific sensory needs, comfort levels, and artistic goals.

Total Creative Independence: It’s a safe, pressure-free hub to build massive social confidence and artistic autonomy at a speed that suits you.

Professional Toolkit: Get your hands on high-quality materials, heavy textures, and professional equipment to bring your exact vision to life.

Zero Cost: Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund, this entire programme is fully funded.

📍 The Details:

Where: The Art Exchange CIC, Westgate Studios, Wakefield

When: We work around you! A time to suit your schedule.

Cost: £0 (Fully Funded)

Who: Neurodivergent teens ready to build something epic.

Spaces are limited because we refuse to crowd the studio—we keep it calm, focused, and high-quality.

Let’s see what you can create when the world finally gets out of your way. 🌈✨

📩 How to claim a spot: Drop us a DM right now or email [email protected] to book your initial 1-on-1 chat and session!

It's been our absolute pleasure to support Longboat Group in commissioning this huge piece at kirkgate railway station a...
31/05/2026

It's been our absolute pleasure to support Longboat Group in commissioning this huge piece at kirkgate railway station as well as providing Marie Keen with studio space to make it happen.

I think we can all agree Marie has done an amazing job, a huge well done it looks fabulous!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B8xiTaRTP/

28/05/2026

What a wonderful creative atmosphere!



✨ THANK YOU, WAKEFIELD! ✨What an absolutely incredible night at Artwalk Wakefield last night! The sun was shining, and w...
28/05/2026

✨ THANK YOU, WAKEFIELD! ✨

What an absolutely incredible night at Artwalk Wakefield last night! The sun was shining, and we were completely blown away by the wonderful community of artists and viewers who came out to support us.

We absolutely loved sharing our exhibition and that special nod to the Northern Green Gathering with you all. Seeing everyone engage with the art was pure magic.

A huge, heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible people who made the night—and our epic Open Mic—happen:
🐝 Bazza Bee's Open Mic Jamboree for your continual, unwavering support.
🎸 Russ and Neil Clink Clarkson for keeping the tunes flowing and the energy high.
🙌 And, of course, our favorite two Terry's Welshtwakey John and Terence Costello who always go the extra mile to support everything we do.

Between you all, you created an absolutely brilliant Open Mic atmosphere that we won't forget anytime soon. We are so lucky to be surrounded by the best community.

Until the next one! 🎨🎶🍻

✨ TODAY AT ARTWALK WAKEFIELD: Experience the Unseen! ✨Pop down to The Art Exchange CIC (Studio A4, Westgate Studios) ton...
27/05/2026

✨ TODAY AT ARTWALK WAKEFIELD: Experience the Unseen! ✨

Pop down to The Art Exchange CIC (Studio A4, Westgate Studios) tonight starting from 5:00 PM for an unforgettable evening of art, community, and live music!

Here is what we have waiting for you:

🎨 Invisible Realities by Kate Wray (5pm - 8pm)

Step into an entirely new dimension of art. Kate, a visually impaired artist, shatters traditional boundaries with her plaster tactile canvases. Inspired by ultraviolet, infrared, and gamma-ray spectrums, these high-contrast, heavily textured works are designed to be touched. They sit in perfect harmony with the rest of the space to give sighted visitors a unique, eye-limiting experience.

💡 Reclaiming the Light: An Artwalk x NGG Special (5pm - Late)

In collaboration with Daz Trei , Heather J Pearson, Antje Rayner and a little help from our Friends, we’ve transformed salvaged materials scavenged from Newlands Park (with a huge thanks to Farmer Ted!) into imaginative, sculptural eco-lights.

🎤 Open Mic Night (From 8:00 PM)

At the strike of 8pm, the studio transforms! Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy our live Open Mic night, hosted by the brilliant Russ from SkipRat.

Whether you are here to feel the art, absorb the music, or just soak up the creative vibe, it is going to be a spectacular night. See you there!

TactileArt LiveMusicWakefield WestgateStudios

✨ TODAY AT ARTWALK WAKEFIELD: Experience the Unseen! ✨Pop down to The Art Exchange CIC (Studio A4, Westgate Studios) ton...
27/05/2026

✨ TODAY AT ARTWALK WAKEFIELD: Experience the Unseen! ✨

Pop down to The Art Exchange CIC (Studio A4, Westgate Studios) tonight starting from 5:00 PM for an unforgettable evening of art, community, and live music!

Here is what we have waiting for you:

🎨 Invisible Realities by Kate Wray (5pm - 8pm)

Step into an entirely new dimension of art. Kate, a visually impaired artist, shatters traditional boundaries with her plaster tactile canvases. Inspired by ultraviolet, infrared, and gamma-ray spectrums, these high-contrast, heavily textured works are designed to be touched. They sit in perfect harmony with the rest of the space to give sighted visitors a unique, eye-limiting experience.

💡 Reclaiming the Light: An Artwalk x NGG Special (5pm - Late)

In collaboration with Daz Trei , Heather J Pearson, Antje Rayner and a little help from our Friends, we’ve transformed salvaged materials scavenged from Newlands Park (with a huge thanks to Farmer Ted!) into imaginative, sculptural eco-lights.

🎤 Open Mic Night (From 8:00 PM)

At the strike of 8pm, the studio transforms! Grab a drink from the bar and enjoy our live Open Mic night, hosted by the brilliant Russ from SkipRat.

Whether you are here to feel the art, absorb the music, or just soak up the creative vibe, it is going to be a spectacular night. See you there!

☀️ HOME EDUCATION SUMMER TERM ART CLUB ☀️Are you looking for a fun, creative, and hands-on addition to your home educati...
25/05/2026

☀️ HOME EDUCATION SUMMER TERM ART CLUB ☀️

Are you looking for a fun, creative, and hands-on addition to your home education schedule this summer? Bring your young creators along to our brand-new 7-Week Summer Art Term, designed specifically for home-educated children aged 5 to 12 years old!

inspired by Wednesday's Artwalk Wakefield every Friday, we’ll dive into a different artistic adventure—from building upcycled sculptures and exploring optical illusions to painting "invisible" neon lightwaves and launching our very own mini festival. It’s a fantastic way to develop new skills, explore unique materials, and connect with other local home-ed families. 🚀✨

📅 The Details:
Term Dates: 1st June – 21st July 2026
When: Every Friday from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Who: Open to ages 5–12 (A fantastic multi-age activity for siblings!)
Where: The Art Exchange CIC, Studio A4, Westgate Studios

💰 Cost:

Weekly Drop-in: £8 per session
Full 7-Week Term Bundle: £50 (Save £6!)

🎨 What’s on the Schedule?

Week 1: Neon Nature & Magic Wands 🪄
Week 2: 3D Paper Engineering: Brain & Heart Maps 🧠❤️
Week 3: The "Unseen Spectrum" UV & Plaster Texture Painting 🌌
Week 4: Reclaimed Sculptures (Eco-Art Challenge!) ♻️
Week 5: Mind-Bending 3D Optical Illusion Art 🕶️
Week 6: "Silly Public Incidents" Comic Strip Drawing ✍️
Week 7: Grand Finale: Artwalk Exhibition & Open Mic Showcase! 🎤

Spaces are limited to ensure everyone gets plenty of creative support and workspace. Don't miss out on adding a splash of color to your summer term!

👉 How to Book: Drop us a message directly or email us at [email protected] to secure your child’s spot today!

🎨 PORTFOLIO BUILDING: THE ART OF THE PORTRAIT 🎨Are you looking to take your artistic skills to the next level, prepare f...
25/05/2026

🎨 PORTFOLIO BUILDING: THE ART OF THE PORTRAIT 🎨

Are you looking to take your artistic skills to the next level, prepare for GCSE/A-Level art, or build a stunning visual portfolio?

Join us for this specialised 7-Week Portfolio Course designed specifically for young artists aged 10 to 16 years old. This term, we are focusing on Portraits—moving far beyond standard drawing to explore advanced techniques, unique mediums, and conceptual thinking.

It’s the perfect environment to challenge your creativity, experiment with raw materials, and create high-quality, standout pieces for your personal collection or educational applications.

📅 The Details:

Term Dates: 1st June – 21st July 2026
When: Every Thursday from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Who: Open to ages 10–16
Where: The Art Exchange CIC, Studio A4, Westgate Studios

💰 Cost:

Weekly Drop-in: £8 per class

Full 7-Week Term Bundle: £50 (Save £6!)

🖼️ What You’ll Create & Explore:

Week 1: Structural Portraits (Mastering graphite, charcoal, & facial proportions

Week 2: Tactile Feature Canvases (Sculpting 3D facial elements with plaster) 🦺

Week 3: The "Unseen Spectrum" Self-Portrait (Expressive infrared & UV color theory) 🌌

Week 4: The Fragmented Profile (Mixed-media & upcycled cardboard assemblage) ♻️
Week 5: The "Anaglyph" Alter-Ego (Overlaying dual personalities using 3D line work) 🕶️
Week 6: Narrative Portraiture (Capturing candid character studies & "silly public incidents") ✍️
Week 7: Professional Curation & Presentation (How to mount, photograph, and pitch your portfolio) 📂

Whether you want to learn classical structure or dive into abstract, tactile textures, this course will give you the tools and confidence to speak proudly about your work.

👉 How to Book: Spaces are limited to ensure focused studio time. Drop us a message directly or email us at [email protected] to book your easel!

Address

Westgate Studios, 55 Westgate
Wakefield
WF11BW

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+447751578801

Website

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