A space to LEARN,
to SHARE and
to be INSPIRED.
We lead social change in Yeovil through creativity.
Yeovil Art Space (YAS) is a creative-led organisation existing to bring art and culture, that is authentic and relevant, to its people and place. It aims to be a destination for creatives and wider audiences to gather, facilitating connection and collaboration to support well-being and social change.
We bring Yeovil residents and visitors accessible and innovative activities through a contemporary visual arts lens, supporting artists, young people, and community to develop creative practice through learning and sharing. In partnership with local authorities, organisations, and businesses, we bring collaboration and co-creation to the heart of what we do, responding to the needs of our community and instigating leadership to join the dots. We bring people together to support the local economy and cultural regeneration of Yeovil.
In May 2023, we occupied two shop units at Quedam Centre. Our main gallery and shop space are now located at Unit 13-15, while we are developing studio and member space at Unit 23. READ MORE
Our charitable objectives
The advancement of education in the arts in Yeovil and surrounding areas for the public benefit, through the provision of visual arts, including, but not limited to digital, moving image, 2D and 3D contemporary art and design.
OUR MISSION: Make Yeovil Creative
We lead social change in Yeovil through creativity:
– Bring the community together through co-creation
– Create genuine partnerships for art and culture
– Raise aspiration, encourage learning and sharing to develop a sense of pride across generations
OUR VALUE
We operated with the following values shared between us, our members and partners. YAS are:
FRIENDLY – Our programme and activities are run by our team and volunteers who are approachable and helpful. We are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and passionate.
POSITIVE – Our space is designed to be welcoming and inviting, filled with beautiful and vibrant artworks that inspire visitors. Supporting well-being is core to what we do.
INCLUSIVE – We are doing our best to serve people from all backgrounds, particularly supporting intergenerational approaches in our work with deprived neighbourhoods and culturally diverse communities.
SUPPORTIVE – We are passionate about what we do, and we support others whenever we can to explore potential, develop talents, learn new skills and build new avenues together.
COLLABORATIVE – We take a collaborative approach in everything we do, within our team, with our partners and together with our community. We listen, consult and evaluate what we do on a regular basis.
CREATIVE – We champion new ideas and support innovation. We believe art is not only on the wall and within a frame but everywhere and in everyone’s life.
Our Funders and Supporters
Yeovil Art Space is operated with income from donations, membership fees and grants. Our activities are currently supported by funding from Yeovil Town Council, Somerset Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Open Mental Health Grant & Somerset Community Foundation. In the past, our projects have been supported by The National Lottery Community Fund, Somerset Skills & Learning, South Somerset District Council, Architectural Heritage Fund, Abri’s Community Funding, Coop Community Fund and Arts Council England.
Yeovil Art Space is CIO (Charitable Incorporate Organisation) – Registered Charity 1189660
WHAT WE DO
Nurturing Creative Community
Yeovil Creatives is our membership for artists living within a 10-mile radius of us, together to build a strong creative community and workforce in Yeovil. Being a member, you are becoming part of Yeovil Art Space, enjoying a range of offers, including regular peer networking meetings, training, mentoring, selling your work at our gallery shop and opportunities to take part in our collaborative projects and paid opportunities.
Our members space supports a number of start-up initatives, and it is available for hire for exhibitions, events and workshops in an afforable rate. Click below for more details and how to join.
Providing Creative Learning
We offer learning opportunities through creativity, developing new skills, building confidence and support well-being. From art and craft making workshops, talks and event, to regular art-club for children and adults, we are committed to bring learning to the heart of what we do. We are currently runding Saturday Art Club for aged 7-12, Welbing workshop for adults. Check the link below for more details.
Supporting High Street Economy
Locates on the High Street, our shop sells unique hand-made gifts, original artworks and prints by artists from the Yeovil Creatives, our membership and peer support network for the creatives living within 10 radius miles of Yeovil. It’s an ideal place to start your own art collection or purchase a gift for someone special.
Buying from our shop, you are helping us to bring creativity to the town and supporting our artists.
Co-creating art & Culture with communities
We work in collaboration with communities, groups, partners and participants, using co-creation and hyper-local approaches to make sure we create work that is relavent and caters for the needs of our community. We received regular funding from Yeovil Town Council, so we can offer activities for family in a nunber of community events across the town, including SuperSaturdays (July & September), Yeovil Together (July), Yeovil Christmas Light Switch On (November) and working with our partner Love Yeovil to bring Lentern Parade to the town in Feb each year. If you would like to work with us, and co-create arts and culture for the town, please get in touch!
Bringing Arts & Heritages Together
We established the Yeovil Art & Heritage Working Group in 2021 with South Somerset District Council, Yeovil Town Council, Yeovil’s Virtual Museum, Yeovil Press, EPS Yeovil to look at ways to create designated cultural and heritage facilities and activities in Yeovil, including a viability study of an ‘Art & Heritage Centre’.
The partnership co-delivers the ‘Story of Yeovil’ Project, with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, bringing communities together through a two-year creative programme to explore the town’s heritages that can be shared in the future.
Make Yeovil Creative 