Castleford Art Space (CAS)
From an an old, empty Argos Store to a cultural community hub
In December 2024, local artists Dawn Blatherwick and Emma Davies pulled together a collective of more than 12 local artists for The Artist’s Window to transform an old Argos Store at Carlton Lanes Shopping centre, in the heart of Castleford. Known as CAS, artists from all disciplines have come together to display their work transforming a ‘shell’ space in under two weeks to showcase over 100 pieces of work across varying mediums and styles.
Their opening event was attended by 250 people!
They exhibit and sells works including oil paintings, coloured pencil drawings, wool and glass work amongst other varied mediums. Opening Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-4pm. They offer the community an opportunity to engage with local art and are steadfastly committed to providing free art experiences for the public and to fulfil their mission of making art accessible to the community, supporting local creatives and enriching the cultural fabric of the town.
The group's efforts have been recognized by local media and have attracted visitors from surrounding areas, thereby supporting the local economy and enhancing the town's cultural offering.
LOCATION
Unit 12, Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre, Castleford
FUNCTION
Gallery, Demonstrations and Workshops
ART TYPE
Visual arts​​​
Read more on the Castleford Art Space's Facebook page.
Fulham Broadway
A new chapter for local artists in a former Pizza Express
In February 2025, the Society of Fulham Artists and Potters (SoFAP) opened their first long-term gallery exhibition and shop through The Artist’s Window in the old Pizza Express at Fulham Broadway. Established in 1952, SoFAP promotes local artists and engages the public with visual arts. This is the society's first venture into operating a dedicated retail space, providing a new platform for artists to connect directly with the community. ​
Open weekly on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (10am–6pm) they are showing a diverse collection of original artworks, including paintings, ceramics, prints, and handcraft so that visitors can engage directly and purchase unique pieces. All work is created by local artists and refreshed regularly, showcasing the talent and diversity of Fulham's art community.SoFAP demonstrates the potential of art spaces to revitalize underutilized retail and foster community engagement, exemplifying how local art societies can innovatively support their membership, provided artists with new opportunities, enrich the cultural landscape and enhance community access to the visual arts.
LOCATION
Unit 4, 1st Fl. Fulham Broadway, London, SW6
FUNCTION
Exhibition and Shop with private events
ART TYPE
Visual arts​​​
The Artist's Window in Hinckley
Fostering a deeper connection between local creatives, their work and the local community
November 2024 saw the opening of our 1st charitable occupation as The Artist’s Window transitioning from static window displays to deliver the ‘opening up’ of commercial space for full use by artists.
The Artists Window Hinckley is led by Rose Allison from The Art Studio and Ten 2 Gallery who brought together 10 local artists to set-up, open and operate an artist run gallery and shop showcasing and selling work by local creatives at Britannia Shopping Centre.This project transformed two vacant units into vibrant exhibition spaces, featuring a diverse range of original artworks available to purchase and providing a platform for local artists to engage directly with the community. Operating on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am–2pm, visitors can meet, chat with and discuss the artists’ practice and works, fostering a deep connection between local creatives, their work and the local community. This space has become an arts hub for the town.
Exciting news!
From Early April 2025 TAW Hinckley artists are occupying a 3rd shop! Unit 6 at the Britannia Centre will enable them to offer classes, teaching, demonstrations and workshops! This will further support both established and emerging artists from the region, exemplifying the positive impact of collaborative cultural projects in public spaces.
LOCATION
Units 3 & 4, Britannia Shopping Centre, Hinckley
FUNCTION
Gallery and Shop
ART TYPE
Visual arts​​​
Read more on The Artist's Window Hinckley's socials.
San Portablo Arts in Port Talbot
Enriching the local art scene with painting, sculpture, digital arts, poetry, film and more!
San Portalbo Arts, led by Helen John in Port Talbot, is a community-driven arts organization that nurtures local talent and promotes cultural engagement.​
The organisation enriches the local cultural scene, strengthens social bonds, and boosts the economy through initiatives like community workshops, public art installations, and an annual arts festival.
Helen, herself an artist and educator has deep roots in Port Talbot and recognised the need for a space to nurture creativity and provide opportunities for artistic expression within, and to engage, the local community.
The Artist’s Window is delighted to provide a physical presence for San Portalbo Arts through the large and long-time empty ‘Officers Club’ retail unit at Aberafan Shopping Centre. From here Helen has been able to deliver numerous projects to enrich the local arts scene, showcase local talent and collaborate on community projects. Her organisation is delivering a wide variety of workshops aimed at different age groups and skill levels and covering disciplines such as painting, sculpture, digital arts, poetry and film, providing participants with the tools and guidance to explore their creativity.
By nurturing local talent and fostering a culture of collaboration, the organisation continues to make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Port Talbot.
LOCATION
Units 3 & 4, Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot
FUNCTION
Gallery, Shop and Community Arts Centre
ART TYPE
Visual, literary, media and performance arts​​​
Read more on the San Portablo Arts Facebook page.
Swineshead Art Group
Supporting local artists and strengthening social connections within the community
Swineshead Art Group established to provide a fun social outlet to welcome local people to experiment with art for fun. They foster an inclusive environment, providing individuals of all skill levels a chance to explore their creativity in a relaxed environment for artistic expression and growth.
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Through The Artist’s Window and thanks to the dedication of Jane Hancock, the group have established their own gallery and gift shop. Members take ownership of this creative space, run the gallery themselves and curate an ever-evolving display of artwork. This visible platform showcases members work and brings art into the lives of visitors to the centre, successfully integrating art into the community’s experience and making it more approachable, accessible and affordable.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. The group is thriving and gaining recognition for its community-focus and high quality work. Members are painting furiously to keep up with demand and regularly selling works. In addition, their Saturday "drop-in for a cuppa" is becoming a beloved tradition, bringing people together to share ideas and engage in conversations about art. These informal gatherings help support local artists, encourage new participants to get involved, and strengthen social connections within the community.
Their success proves that when given the right space and support, local artists flourish and communities can benefit from an enriched cultural experience.
LOCATION
Unit 15, Pescod Square Shopping Centre, Boston
FUNCTION
Gallery, gift shop and ‘drop in’
ART TYPE
Visual arts and gifts​​​
Read more on the Swineshead Art Group's Facebook page:
Swansgate Shopping Centre
Local artists thrive in a previously unloved empty space
In November 2024, artists Claire Mycock and Lucy Mathers opened a pop-up gallery and shop to exhibit and sell their work locally and to help revitalise a tired and empty retail unit at the Swansgate Shopping Centre.
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Through The Artists Window they have transformed the space into an attractive and vibrant destination. The gallery not only displays and sells their artwork but also hosts regular, interactive workshops where participants can explore and learn creative skills such as Batik, Silk Painting, Christmas Card Creation, Gel Plate Printing, and Collage. These workshops make art accessible to everyone and encourage active participation from the local community.​
By bringing art into a commercial space, engaging and encouraging creativity in the community through hands-on workshops, and revitalising an empty unit, Claire and Lucy have enriched the local shopping experience and played an essential role in improving empty unloved space.
LOCATION
Units 11, Spring Lane, Swansgate Shopping Centre, Wellingborough
FUNCTION
Gallery Shop and teaching workshops
ART TYPE
Visual arts​​​
'Connection' 2024
A creative collaboration with London Mural Festival
In September 2024, The Artist’s Window partnered with Global Street Art for the London Mural Festival, bringing over 100 murals created by leading street artists to the city.
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Vacant retail and commercial spaces were transformed into striking art installations. These activations showcased the power of public art and revitalised central London neighbourhoods by turning empty walls into visually stunning artworks, creating lasting connections between art, community and urban regeneration for all to enjoy.​
The festival had a lasting impact by transforming neglected areas, fostering local engagement, providing significant exposure for both artists and property owners through media, events programming, and increased foot traffic.
LOCATION
London
ART TYPE
Public Art Festival​​​
Read more on the London Mural Festival website.
