The Art Exchange

29/12/2025

Before we step into 2026 we wanted to share some exciting news with you!

We are delighted to announce that Artwalk Wakefield has now been fully integrated under the management of The Art Exchange CIC, ensuring the long-term future and smooth running of this vital cultural event.

We are also thrilled to confirm our first complete partnership under this new structure: CoffeeWrite Wakefield has generously offered in-kind sponsorship to support our continued operations.

Furthermore, our collaboration with Wakefield BID remains strong, and they will continue to cover the printing of our essential Artwalk maps.

In practical terms, the Artwalk you know and love will continue as normal, its run by the same community of Artists it has been successfully run by for the last few years!

26/12/2025

🌟 NEW: FREE CREATIVE SESSIONS FOR NEURODIVERGENT TEENS 🌟

Is your teen struggling socially?

Do they need a safe space to express themselves and a creative outlet that actually "gets" them?

Thanks to support from The National Lottery Community Fund, The Art Exchange CIC is launching a brand-new programme starting this January.

We are here to help neurodivergent teens build the confidence to navigate the world and work alongside others in a way that feels right for them.

✨ What We Offer:

We know that jumping straight into a group can be overwhelming. That’s why our approach is gradual and therapeutic:

One-to-One Sessions: Personalised time focusing on music, journaling, and visual arts to discover their unique creative voice.

Finding Common Ground:
Helping students identify shared interests and experiences with their peers.

Collaboration:
Slowly integrating into small, supportive groups to work on exciting collaborative projects.🤝 The Goal:This isn't just about art—it's about re-socialising and integrating.

We want to help our students find a community where they can relate to one another, support each other, and build lasting confidence.

📅 Details:

Starting: January 2026

Cost: FREE (Funded by The National Lottery)

Location: The Art Exchange CIC, Westgate Studios

Interested? Spaces are limited to ensure we can provide the right level of support.

Please DM us or email theartexchangewakefield@gmail.com

to register your interest or ask any questions.

Let's help your teen find their tribe. 🎨🎧📝

17/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/19VrbTHg7E/

Submissions are now open!
Get your submissions in for our next ArtWalk - January 28th! Get your submissions in before January 14th to enjoy our January artwalk!
More information can be found on our website (artwalkwakefield.org). We can’t wait to see you!

10/12/2025

🎁 Two Weeks of Festive Fun Left! 🎄

Calling all Home Ed families! We have just **two weeks left** of our Friday creative sessions, and we are going full festive!

Both classes are reduced to **ONLY £5** per person to spread the Christmas cheer!

🗓️ **FRIDAY FUN (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM)**

* **Friday 12th:** Make your own unique **Cards & Wrapping Paper Printing**
* **Friday 19th:** Create bespoke **Christmas Decorations, Trees, and Goinks**!

Don't miss out on this amazing value! Book your place now and finish the year creating with The Art Exchange CIC.

04/12/2025

Life Drawing Night: Art, Community & Comfort Food!

Join us TONIGHT for a truly wonderful evening of creativity and community spirit!

From 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, immerse yourself in our life drawing session—everyone is welcome, from absolute beginner to expert artist!

🥣 We are serving up a delicious and warming Cauliflower Chowder, with the option of a meaty Chorizo topping! Perfect comfort food to fuel your drawing hand.

The night doesn't end at 9:00 PM! We'll continue the fun right after at Bazza Bees Open Mic, feel free to join us there. It’s guaranteed to be the best way to end your week.

See you tonight,

04/12/2025

🚨 FLASH DEAL: HOME ED MINI WREATH CLASS £5 🚨

Last chance for fresh Christmas greenery!

We had such an awesome time making wreaths this evening, and we have a gorgeous amount of fresh foliage and adornments left over.

So, we're offering a super-simplified wreath-making session for our Home Ed Explorers at a massively reduced rate.

🎄 MINI WREATH SESSION 🎄
When: This Friday, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Cost: ONLY £5 per person!

Come craft a beautiful, natural decoration to take home. Hurry—spaces will go fast at this price!

📧 EMAIL: theartexchangewakefield@gmail.com
📱 WHATSAPP: 07751 578801

03/12/2025

A good night had by all!
Thanks to those who came, what a wonderful evening it was!

22/11/2025

Artwalk Wakefield: The Art Exchange CIC Line-Up

JOIN US FOR THE LAST ARTWALK OF THE YEAR!

Your essential stop for incredible community art, skate culture, abstract painting, and a live acoustic sound jam is The Art Exchange CIC (Studio A4, 1st Floor, Westgate Studios).

We are jam-packed with talent and open from 5:00 PM!

🌟 LITTLE STORIES, BIG LIGHT 🌟

Come and be utterly charmed by the Story Lightboxes created by the young artists from our Home Ed Art Adventures and Portfolio Building classes! These incredible pieces, made from repurposed materials, explore 3D design and narrative using light. Each box is a peek into a child's fantastical, unique world. This is pure, inspiring community creativity!

The Full Art Exchange Line-Up (Studio A4, Big Room)

🛹 DIVISION 24 (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Celebrating 20 years of Wakefield's skate store! We're hosting a special screening of their commemorative film featuring local skaters in iconic district spots. Plus, view accompanying photography and visual art produced by local artists for Division 24.

🎨 HELEN FIELD (Open 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Explore a vibrant new collection of abstract paintings by Wakefield-based artist Helen Field. Known for her expressive use of colour and texture, this is a unique chance to engage with her evolving practice.

✍️ MICHELLE KOLESZKO: Letterpress Prints (Open 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
Be intrigued by the history and imperfect aesthetic of letterpress. Michelle showcases original prints of dialogue excerpts and word art created using wood and metal type on the press.

🎸 ACOUSTIC JAM (Informal Sound Session)
Bring along your instrument and join us for an informal Acoustic Jam session! Come listen or join in the spontaneous flow of creative music.

Food and beverages available!

📍 FIND US: The Art Exchange CIC, Studio A4, 1st Floor, Westgate Studios.

See you on Wednesday!