Welcome to your local community arts centre
Our mission is to bring amazing art, live music and creative workshops to the South West. As a charity and multi-arts venue, we’ve been enriching the cultural life of our community for almost 30 years from a former historic church in the heart of Ilminster. Here, you can enjoy world-class musicians, wonderful art exhibitions and get as creative as you like in a wide range of art and craft classes for all abilities.
We also have a boutique shop, selling handmade gifts from local craft makers, and a scrumptious café famous for its cheese scones.
Performances
It's 100 years since Oscar Peterson's was born and this unique presentation celebrates the great drumless trio he led with Bassist Ray Brown and Guitarist Joe Pass in the 1970s.
Tickets: £20
SOLD OUT
In honour of the Ilminster Literary Society, Ilminster Arts Centre is delighted to host a captivating evening celebrating the life and legacy of folk collector Cecil Sharp through both insightful commentary and stirring music. This special event features a talk by David Sutcliffe and a concert by the acclaimed ensemble Sirinu, weaving together history and melody to bring Sharp’s work vividly to life.
Tickets: £16
UK Singer/songwriter Joanna Eden presents a breath-taking show in celebration of her hero Joni Mitchell.
Tickets: £20
The Sunset Café Stompers present "Tiny, Jelly & The Duke", a new programme celebrating the lives and work of Duke Ellington, Jelly-Roll Morton and (less well-known but equally fascinating) Tiny Parham.
Tickets: £20
An exceptional Beatles experience that recreates the vibrant sounds and sights of The Beatles with a hint of humour.
Tickets: £22
Lorena Cantó is a Spanish and Belgian viola player who has spent several years in the award-winning Jubilee String Quartet. Yvain Calvo is a Spanish pianist with an active career both as a soloist and chamber musician. Yvain graduated with the highest praise from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in 2021.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
From Anglesey, Jâms Coleman performs as a soloist, chamber musician, and vocal accompanist. Recent highlights include recitals at the BBC Proms. Colin Scobie is already established as one of the most creative and compelling violinists and chamber musicians of his generation.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets: £20
Are you ready for a fabulous tribute event, celebrating the unforgettable music of the iconic British superstar, David Bowie? This most authentic live show features Bowie Fashion performing all the best loved hits from Bowie's 45 year reign at the top of the global music industry.
Tickets: £22.
As finalist in the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2020 and winner of the Rising Star category in the 2019 British Jazz Awards, Alex is known to be one of the most versatile saxophonists. Praised for her intelligent ear for harmony and a deep knowledge of repertoire across a broad spectrum of styles, Alex's sound is steeped in the tradition of bebop.
Tickets: £20
Come and support the Arts Centre with a wonderful evening of quizzing! Fiendish questions, bar and a raffle await.
Tickets: £15 per team of 4.
Voces Amici return to Ilminster after their triumphant visit last autumn for another evening of exciting vocal music. Accompanied by Jonathan Delbridge, the group will take the audience on a musical trip around the world, ending in their beloved Somerset.
Tickets: £16
Twice voted BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Best Duo, this multi award-winning musical couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.
“It’s folk music for the modern age.” – The Telegraph, London
Tickets: £18
Workshops
Join the overall winner of the 2023 Ilminster Arts Centre Open Exhibition, to explore using oils to create atmospheric and expressive landscapes. In this course Annie Musgrove will focus on how to use light in the landscape to add interest and drama.
Cost: £50, plus £5 for materials payable on the day.
To book please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Painting is about ‘looking’ and drawing exercises our ‘looking’ skills and our awareness.
We will draw and paint on this course. Drawing exercises will designed to help us ‘see’ but painting is where we are aiming!
Beginners and experienced are all welcome to a relaxed class where everyone is encouraged and supported to work on individual choices and their own personal artistic development.
6 week course: June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9
Wednesdays 9:45am - noon
£22 per session
To book, contact Juliet directly on: 01278 795364 or email: julietfarnese@gmail.com
Linda Hampson’s ever popular pastel workshops.
6-week course on Thursdays: June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10
10am - 1pm
£90 for 6 sessions
To book please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Write stories based on your memories and life experiences. You will learn how to write so that other people will want to read your words.
We will cover
Where to start, structuring your work, what to include and what to leave out, and fictional techniques.
5-week course on Fridays: June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 4
10am - 12pm
Cost: £95 for 5 sessions
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke
Tuesdays: June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22
Morning session: 10am - 12pm
Afternoon session: 1pm - 3pm
£20 per session
To book, contact Nicky directly on: 01460 281773 or email randnclarke@hotmail.co.uk
This workshop is ideal for everyone - very practical, with easy-to-follow demonstrations and ample time to practise and develop a range of painting skills; or simply expand your armoury of techniques. You’ll be painting straightaway, using these techniques, to create striking images. This is a small group session, so you get plenty of individual attention and encouragement along with practical advice and helpful tips; and you’ll get results you can be proud of.
£45, plus £5 for materials paid to tutor on the day
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
This class is not about ‘keeping a journal’ in the normal written sense, it is more of a process of creating all kinds of ‘no rule" art, that includes collage, painting, sketching, and maybe some words or quotes, within the pages of a book.
Saturday 28 June 10.00am - 2.30pm
Cost: £45, plus £5 for materials to the tutor on the day
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
This class is not about ‘keeping a journal’ in the normal written sense, it is more of a process of creating all kinds of ‘no rule" art, that includes collage, painting, sketching, and maybe some words or quotes, within the pages of a book.
Saturday 28 June 10.00am - 2.30pm
Cost: £45, plus £5 for materials to the tutor on the day
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Would you like to create expressive landscapes easily?
Do you want to cover large areas quickly, experiment, try new techniques and produce beautiful paintings, using just a squeegee, soft roller and mark making tools?
Then this course of developmental sessions is for you!
These workshops are run by Bev Purdue, fine art tutor.
10.00 - 13.00
Friday 18 July, Saturday 26 July
Saturday 16 August, Saturday 30 August
Wednesday 3 September
We recommend that participants attend all five sessions: £180.
But, if you can’t attend one, you can pay £36 per session.
Please book all your sessions in advance, as we cannot guarantee places later.
Linda Hampson’s popular summer ‘coloured pencil’ 6-week course
6-week course July, 24, 31 August 7, 14, 21, 28
Thursdays, 10am - 1pm
Cost: £90 for 6 sessions
To book, please ring 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
For Abstracts; Semi-Abstracts and Impressionist Landscapes
This course is led by enthusiastic artist and tutor Stephen Jenkinson. It is ideal for everyone - for those who are completely new to the techniques that Stephen introduces, and those who have attended previous standalone workshops and want to refresh and develop their painting skills further. Experience the whole painting process: from preparation, through applying layers of pure vibrant colour and producing striking images with beautiful effects, to finishing your final images for mounting and framing.
Small Group Course - Maximum participants: 8
10:30 – 14:00
4 sessions on August 5, 12, 19, 26; each session 3.5 hours
£90 per course plus £10 for materials to the tutor on the first day.
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Exhibitions
Artists303 celebrate their 60th Anniversary with this exhibition of current members
Kate Cochrane, Sandra Meech, Sally Ridout, Heather Stone, Vera Sheaf, Pauline Pearce, Cath Bloomfield.
Open Evening to meet the artists on Wednesday 14th May 16:00-18:00. Everyone welcome. Bar Available
Meet the Artists on Saturday 17th May 10:00-12:00
6 May - 30 May
Tuesday - Saturday 9:30-3:00
Free Entry
An Exhibition showcasing the work of Herne View School
3rd June - 13th June
Tuesday - Saturday 9:30-3:00
Free Entry
Ilminster Arts Centre is delighted to announce that entries for the highly anticipated Open Exhibition 2025 are NOW OPEN. This annual judged exhibition invites artists from across the region to submit their work for the chance to be showcased in one of Somerset’s leading artistic events.
The exhibition will run from 17th June to 18th July 2025, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM.
The Prize Giving Event will take place on Wednesday, 18th June, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, where winners will be announced.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
"Take Two"
Landscape and wildlife seen through the eyes of Jackie Cox and Chris Sinden.
From highly detailed scraperboard, coloured pencil and mixed media paintings
to complicated multiblock linocuts.
"Take Two" is an exhibition that encompasses both individual interpretations
and comparisons.
Tuesday 22 July - Friday 8 August 9:30-3:00
Free Entry
Quiet Contemplations embodies the serene, introspective quality of Rogers work, inviting viewers into a space of stillness and reflection.
9 September - 3 October
Tuesday - Saturday 9:30-3:00
Free Entry
News
We are looking for people who can bring enthusiasm and experience in one or more of the following fields:
· The arts, heritage or charity sectors
· Finance or accounting
· Business strategy and development
· Fundraising and grants
· Health and safety
· Hospitality
Ilminster Arts Centre is delighted to announce that entries for the highly anticipated Open Exhibition 2025 will officially open on 4th March.
This annual judged exhibition invites artists from across the region to submit their work for the chance to be showcased in one of Somerset’s leading artistic events.
We are delighted to announce that the restoration of Ilminster Arts Centre's historic stained glass window is now complete, with the beloved feature fully restored and returned to its rightful place, more resplendent than ever.
Ilminster Arts Centre is proud to present The Frog Lane Painters Exhibition. This special exhibition, running from 15th October to 9th November 2024, highlights the journey and growth of these artists, many of whom began as complete beginners at IAC’s popular acrylic painting classes.
From Tuesday 1st October Annie's Cakery Bakery will be opening at 10 and closing at 2.30.
If you are wondering what the commotion is at Ilminster Arts Centre and why the stained glass window is being boarded, fear not! The beloved historic stained glass window, which has been a significant feature of the building venue since its installation in 1901, is set to undergo vital restoration work.
During the month of June The Arts Centre will be trialling extended opening hours. This means that you will have even longer to browse our beautiful shop or try something delicious at Annie's Cakery Bakery.
The deadline for entries had been extended until 6pm Friday 10th May.
The clock is ticking as the submission deadline for the annual judged Open Exhibition approaches. With just one week left until the May 3rd deadline, artists are encouraged to finalize their submissions for a chance to showcase their talent and compete for prestigious prizes.
Artists throughout the South West are invited to showcase their talents at this year's highly anticipated Ilminster Open Exhibition. The Gallery at Ilminster Arts Centre will host the event from June 11 to July 5, 2024
Your Blue Token Matters! Ilminster Arts Centre is nominated for Tesco Community Fund and hopes to provide a summer of creativity for local children.
Ilminster Arts Centre is inviting talented artists to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. In a quest to enrich our vibrant Arts Centre shop, we are on the lookout for 2 or 3 exceptional artist card makers to join our community of artisans.
The popular Christmas Craft Show at Ilminster Arts Centre is on display in the Gallery until Friday, 22 December, providing a great opportunity to get that perfect present for yourself or loved ones.
To celebrate the festivities, Ilminster Arts Centre has unveiled the winners of its Children's Christmas Card Competition, with the winning cards now on sale in the arts centre’s gift shop until Christmas
We’ve got a packed programme of festive fun for all leading up to Christmas. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Bryony Tidball has been appointed as the new manager for Ilminster Arts Centre.
As the days shorten and the nights get colder, rest assured that a warm welcome awaits you this autumn at Ilminster Arts Centre.
As a renowned venue for top class live music, Ilminster Arts Centre presents a galaxy of star performers this autumn.
We’ve got a packed programme of concerts for music lovers this September, with cut-price tickets for students and free entry for 12 year-olds and under.
There are not many cultural venues in the area that offer such choice and variety as Ilminster Arts Centre. Come and visit this summer to experience top-class performances, workshops and exhibitions.
Paintings of oystercatchers and gannets by artist Sue Allen have won the Visitors' Choice Award as part of Ilminster Art Centre's Annual Open Exhibition.
This summer Ilminster Arts Centre offers a season of sensory delights with top quality art exhibitions for all to see, craft workshops for all abilities, concerts to suit all musical tastes and dramatic performances to capture the imagination.
The winning artists have been announced for this year's Ilminster Open Exhibition, which attracted a record number of entries.
We have appointed Julie Manley as the new Chair of our Board of Trustees. Read on to find out more about her.
Ilminster Arts Centre is supporting six new local craft makers by displaying their products in the art centre's refreshed gift shop, alongside 90 other local makers.
May at the Arts Centre brings a whole host of live music, exhibitions and workshops. And artists, don’t forget to get your entries in for our annual Open Exhibition!
A new play about a pioneering Exmoor woman, and one of the region's most fascinating characters, is to be performed at Ilminster Arts Centre on Saturday, 15 April.
Booking concert tickets at Ilminster Arts Centre has never been easier, following the introduction of a new online reservation system for performances from April onwards.
Artists in the South West are invited to enter this year's Ilminster Open Exhibition, with the opportunity to win cash prizes and have their work displayed in the prestigious Gallery at Ilminster Arts Centre from 23 May to 16 June 2023.
There's another fantastic line-up of concerts, art exhibitions and workshops to look forward to at the Ilminster Arts Centre in March.
Loved by…
“A very interesting space in this small Somerset town, run by very pleasant staff and with a great selection of beautiful and well priced Xmas gift ideas made by local crafts people. Well recommended, not to be missed and the café is good too.”