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.

Open Exhibition 2025 - NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES
We are 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.
Performances
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
Bringing to life the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, The All Seasons present a show that will wow fans of the Jersey Boys sound.
Tickets: £22
'Unforgettable ' Is stunning Vocalist/Guitarist Denny Illett and Award Winning Craig Milverton's latest project paying tribute to the supreme and legendary Vocalist and brilliant Pianist 'Nat King Cole' .
Tickets: £20
Winners of the Royal Over-Seas League Annual Music Competition’s Mixed Ensemble Prize and City Music Foundation Artists, the Mikeleiz-Zucchi Duo’s repertoire spans everything from reimagined traditional works to modern repertoire and improvisation, all vividly rendered by the unique combination of saxophone and accordion.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
A fabulous lunchtime jazz event from Tone Big Band and musical director Nick Brace. Covering music from early swing to the modern era.
Free entry - donations in aid of the Arts Centre.
A celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the VE day. The event which marks the end of WW2 will feature the Corps of Drums and an evening dance band with Wessex Big Band. Period dress welcome!
Doors from 6:00pm with bar available.
Tickets: £23
Trio Anima was formed in 2006 at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since then, they have delighted audiences with their distinctive instrumental combination and imaginative programming.
Promoted by Concerts in the West
Tickets £20
Recently awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honour List for services to Music and Charity, legendary British Guitarist Gordon Giltrap is back out on the road in what promises to be an electrifying solo acoustic show. Expect to hear classics such as Heartsong and Lucifer’s Cage alongside new material from his latest album ‘Scattered Chapters’.
Tickets: £22
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
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
An exceptional Beatles experience that recreates the vibrant sounds and sights of The Beatles with a hint of humour.
Tickets: £22
Workshops
Cold wax is a versatile medium mixed with oil paints and applied with unconventional tools. Both landscape and figurative painters around the world find that the addition of cold wax medium offer unique and exciting effects.
This workshop is especially suited to those who prefer learning new techniques and playfully experimenting with colour and texture. No previous experience is required, just come and be surprised by what you create!
10.30 - 2.30pm
£55 and £12 to tutor on the day for materials
Acrylics - Experimenting with Colour, Composition and new Techniques
£45 plus £5 for materials paid to tutor on the day
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Cold wax is a versatile medium mixed with oil paints and applied with unconventional tools. Both landscape and figurative painters around the world find that the addition of cold wax medium offer unique and exciting effects.
This workshop is especially suited to those who prefer learning new techniques and playfully experimenting with colour and texture. No previous experience is required, just come and be surprised by what you create!
10.30 - 2.30pm
£55 and £12 to tutor on the day for materials
Learn to paint gorgeous, illustrative floral pictures in acrylics in these monthly sessions suitable for beginners. Let your imagination flow as you explore a loose and expressive style.
Cost: £95 for 6 weeks
Apr 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21
1 - 3pm
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Linda Hampson’s ever popular pastel workshops.
6-week course on Thursdays: Apr 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
10am - 1pm
£90 for 6 sessions
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.
6 sessions: April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22
Thursdays, 1.30pm - 3pm
Cost: £95 for 6 sessions
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Our willow obelisk course is perfect for anyone looking to add a unique and natural look to their outdoor space.
You will learn how to craft your own willow obelisk using locally sourced willow.
Cost: £40 (all materials included)
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Watercolour classes with tutor Nicky Clarke
Tuesdays: April 22, 29, May 6, 13, 20
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
NOW FULLY BOOKED
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.
5 week course: April 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21
Wednesdays 9:45am - noon
£22 per session
To book, contact Juliet directly on: 01278 795364 or email: julietfarnese@gmail.com
Write the stories only you can write in this class. Tap into your creativity by responding to weekly writing prompts in class, underpinned by writing craft advice.
6-week course on Fridays: April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
10am - 12pm
Cost: £105 for 6 sessions
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Acrylics - Experimenting with Colour, Composition and new Techniques
£45 plus £5 for materials paid to tutor on the day
To book please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk
Cold wax is a versatile medium mixed with oil paints and applied with unconventional tools. Both landscape and figurative painters around the world find that the addition of cold wax medium offer unique and exciting effects.
This workshop, run by Bev Purdue, is especially suited to those who prefer learning new techniques and playfully experimenting with colour and texture. No previous experience is required, just come and be surprised by what you create!
10.30 - 2.30pm
£55, and £12 to tutor on the day for materials
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
Exhibitions
An exhibition to celebrate the latest book from winner of First King's Gold Medal for Poetry, Selima Hill, in collaboration with Moby Hill (artist), Archie Stokes-Faiers (stonemason), Rod Hill (textiles) and Luke Thompson of Guillemot Press.
Meet the Artists - Moby Hill and Archie Stokes-Faiers on Saturday 15th March
Free entry.
Open Tuesday – Saturday. 9.30am - 3pm.
Rod Hill’s work extends from the exhibition in the Gallery, into the Café with a selection of Oil paintings recently created at John Meaker’s studio in Abbotsbury, and textile works
Free Entry
11 March - 4 April
On the final day the display will close at 1pm.
Sue Durant &Lin Hawkins: Points of View
An exhibition featuring landscapes, seascapes, nature and semi abstract representations of the world
8 April - 2 May
Tuesday - Saturday 9:30-3:00
Free Entry
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.
Meet the Artists on Saturday 17th May 10:00-12:00
6 May - 30 May
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!
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
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.
February at the Ilminster Arts Centre is packed full of live music, original art workshops and top-class exhibitions.
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.”