The Art Exchange

The Art Exchange The Art Exchange is a place where creatives can share their work, kids and adult workshops/parties

04/02/2026

🎨 WHAT A NIGHT! ARTWALK RECAP ✨

It’s been a week since the Artwalk Wakefield Takeover, and we are still buzzing! We had the most incredible time welcoming the community into The Art Exchange CIC headquarters.

A massive THANK YOU to our five phenomenal exhibiting artists. Your work transformed the studio and sparked so many amazing conversations. It was an honor to host you!

🎸 THE JAMBOREE

And boy, did we have fun with the music! A huge shout-out in particular to Bazza Bee for hosting the best open mic session we could have asked for. The energy in the room was electric, and the talent on display was a testament to Wakefield’s amazing music scene.

Can't wait for the next one? If you missed out or just want more of that magic, don't forget you can catch Bazza Bee’s Jamboree every single Thursday at O'Connor's Tavern. Get down there and support the man who supports our city's talent!

Thank you to everyone who came down, grabbed a drink at the bar, and toasted to this new chapter with us.

🥂See you at the next one!

🎨 WHAT A NIGHT! ARTWALK RECAP ✨It’s been a week since the Artwalk Wakefield Takeover, and we are still buzzing! We had t...
04/02/2026

🎨 WHAT A NIGHT! ARTWALK RECAP ✨

It’s been a week since the Artwalk Wakefield Takeover, and we are still buzzing! We had the most incredible time welcoming the community into The Art Exchange CIC headquarters.

A massive THANK YOU to our five phenomenal exhibiting artists. Your work transformed the studio and sparked so many amazing conversations. It was an honor to host you!

🎸 THE JAMBOREE

And boy, did we have fun with the music! A huge shout-out in particular to Bazza Bee's Open Mic Jamboree for hosting the best open mic session we could have asked for. The energy in the room was electric, and the talent on display was a testament to Wakefield’s amazing music scene.

Can't wait for the next one? If you missed out or just want more of that magic, don't forget you can catch Bazza Bee’s Jamboree every single Thursday at O'Connor's irish tavern. Get down there and support the man who supports our city's talent!

Thank you to everyone who came down, grabbed a drink at the bar, and toasted to this new chapter with us.

🥂See you at the next one!


🎨 LAST FEW SPACES: CREATIVE PROGRAMME FOR ND TEENS 🎨Are you (or is your teen) looking for a creative space that actually...
04/02/2026

🎨 LAST FEW SPACES: CREATIVE PROGRAMME FOR ND TEENS 🎨

Are you (or is your teen) looking for a creative space that actually gets it?

We have just a few spaces remaining for our National Lottery Funded creative programme specifically designed for neurodivergent teens.

This isn't just an "art club"—it's a professional studio environment where you can explore your identity, build your skills, and connect with like-minded creators.

✨ Why Join Us?Tailored to You: Every student starts with a 1-on-1 assessment so we can adapt the sessions to your specific sensory needs and artistic goals.

Professional Studio Access: Work with high-quality materials and professional equipment.

A Supportive Tribe: Be part of a group where "different" is the standard and your unique perspective is your greatest strength.

Independence: After the initial assessment, sessions are independent, helping to build social confidence in a safe, creative hub.

📍 The Details:

Where: The Art Exchange CIC, Westgate Studios

When: A time to suit you

Cost: Fully funded by The National Lottery Community Fund

📩 How to Apply:
Because we tailor every session to the individual, spaces are strictly limited to ensure a high-quality experience.

If you’d like to claim one of the last remaining spots this term, please DM us or email theartexchangewakefield@gmail.com today to book your initial assessment.

Let’s see what you can create when the world finally gets out of your way. 🌈✨


🎸 THE TAKEOVER JUST GOT LOUDER: WELCOMING BAZZA BEE! 🐝We are so freaking excited to announce that Bazza Bee's Open Mic J...
21/01/2026

🎸 THE TAKEOVER JUST GOT LOUDER: WELCOMING BAZZA BEE! 🐝

We are so freaking excited to announce that Bazza Bee's Open Mic Jamboree is officially joining us for The Art Exchange CIC Artwalk Takeover evening!

For those who don't know Bazza, he is a true champion of the Wakefield scene. For years, he has tirelessly encouraged new talent and supported local musicians, giving them a platform to shine at his legendary open mic nights every Thursday (currently rocking at O'Connor's irish tavern).

Now, he’s bringing that incredible energy to The Art Exchange CIC for one night only!

🎤 YOUR STAGE AWAITS

We want to fill the studio with the best sounds in the city. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a fresh talent looking for a supportive stage:
Bring your instruments.
Bring your sound.
Hit the stage and let’s showcase the phenomenal music talent Wakefield has to offer!

It’s going to be a night of art, music vibes, and community spirit that you won’t want to miss.

📍 The Details:

Date: Wednesday, January 28th

Time: Music starts from 8:00 PM

Location: The Art Exchange CIC, Westgate Studios

Let’s kick off our first Artwalk Takeover with a bang. See you at the front! 🥂✨

✨ THURSDAY NIGHTS: UNWIND & CREATE ✨Looking for a peaceful mid-week escape? Join us for Life Drawing every Thursday from...
07/01/2026

✨ THURSDAY NIGHTS: UNWIND & CREATE ✨

Looking for a peaceful mid-week escape? Join us for Life Drawing every Thursday from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM at The Art Exchange CIC.Step into a beautiful, relaxing environment where the noise of the world fades away. Surrounded by like-minded people and the inspiring atmosphere of the studio, it’s the perfect space to sharpen your skills or simply enjoy the meditative flow of drawing from life.

Whether you are a seasoned artist or just starting out, you are welcome here.

🌟 BECOME THE ART: WE ARE LOOKING FOR MODELS! 🌟

Have you ever thought about life modelling? We are currently expanding our model portfolio and would love to hear from you!

Why Model for Us?

A Respectful Space: We pride ourselves on a professional, safe, and supportive studio environment.

Empowering Experience: Many of our models find the process incredibly body-positive and empowering.

Community: Become a vital part of the local arts scene and help artists develop their craft.

We welcome people of all shapes, sizes, ages (in fact honestly people like to draw more curves than straight lines!) , and backgrounds. No previous experience is necessary—just a reliable attitude and an interest in the arts!

📩 Interested in drawing or modelling? Send us a DM or email theartexchangewakefield@gmail.com for more details on rates and availability.

07/01/2026

ARTIST CALL-OUT: EXHIBIT AT THE DISTILLERY! 🍸

Looking for a unique, atmospheric space to showcase your work?

We have space available at The Distillery for the upcoming January 28th Artwalk!

This is a fantastic opportunity to get your art in front of a vibrant, evening crowd in one of Wakefield’s most stylish settings.

We are looking for work that complements the industrial-chic vibe of the venue.

Interested? Spaces fill up incredibly fast for this location.

Send us a DM or email kate@artwalkwakefield.org with:2-3 images of your work.Dimensions of your pieces.

A brief artist bio.

Let’s make the first Artwalk of the year one to remember! 🥂 🎨

07/01/2026

VENUE ALERT: EXHIBIT AT THE SIX CHIMNEYS! 🍻

Calling all local artists!

The Six Chimneys is opening its doors for exhibitors for the January 28th Artwalk.

As one of our busiest and most central Artwalk stops, this is a prime spot for artists who want high footfall and a lively community atmosphere.

Whether you’re an established pro or a first-time exhibitor, we want to hear from you

!How to Apply:

DM us or email kate@artwalkwakefield.org with a quick preview of your work.

Don't miss out on being part of the city's favorite cultural night! 🏢✨

🎨 10–16 YRS PORTFOLIO CLASS: LIMITED SPACES! 🎨Are you a young artist looking to sharpen your technical skills and build ...
04/01/2026

🎨 10–16 YRS PORTFOLIO CLASS: LIMITED SPACES! 🎨Are you a young artist looking to sharpen your technical skills and build a professional body of work?Our Portfolio Class for 10–16 year olds is an established group for those who are passionate about their art. We have a very limited number of spaces available for the new January term!🌈 THIS TERM: ADVANCED COLOUR THEORY
This term, we are going beyond the basics. We will be exploring:
Professional Palettes: Learning to mix sophisticated tones and shades.
Atmosphere & Depth: Using colour temperature to create mood and 3D form.
Mastering Mediums: Applying theory across painting, drawing, and mixed media.
Whether you're preparing for GCSE Art, building a portfolio for college applications, or simply want to push your creative boundaries, this class offers a professional studio environment to grow.

📍 When & Where:
Thursdays: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: The Art Exchange CIC, Westgate Studios

💰 Investment:Weekly Drop-in: £8 per classFull 6-Week Term: £40 (Save £8 — get one week free!)
Spaces in this group are limited to ensure high-quality, individual guidance for every student.📩 To Secure a Spot: DM us or email theartexchangewakefield@gmail.com today!

🗺️ NEW TERM: HOME ED ART ADVENTURES! 🎨Calling all young explorers aged 5–12! Is your child ready to journey to a mysteri...
04/01/2026

🗺️ NEW TERM: HOME ED ART ADVENTURES! 🎨

Calling all young explorers aged 5–12! Is your child ready to journey to a mysterious unknown world?

Our popular Home Ed Adventures sessions return this January at The Art Exchange CIC. This term, we are embarking on a 6-week creative voyage: "The Explorer’s Portfolio."

From binding their own field journals and staining ancient maps to sculpting strange creatures and building collaborative cardboard settlements—this is art with a side of storytelling and discovery.

📍 When & Where:

Fridays: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Location: The Art Exchange CIC, Westgate Studios, Wakefield

💰 Investment:

Weekly Drop-in: £8 per class

Full 6-Week Term: £40 (Save £8—get one week free!)

🌟 Why Join Us?

Our sessions are specifically designed for the Home Ed community. We blend art skills (printmaking, sculpture, colour theory) with cross-curricular links to history, science, and literacy. It’s a fantastic way to meet other local families in a relaxed, creative environment.

Spaces are limited to ensure everyone gets plenty of studio space!

📩 How to Book: DM us here or email to theartexchangewakefield@gmail.com to secure your explorer's spot.

Let’s see where the adventure takes us! 🧭✨

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!

🌟 NEW: FREE CREATIVE SESSIONS FOR NEURODIVERGENT TEENS 🌟Is your teen struggling socially? Do they need a safe space to e...
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. 🎨🎧📝

Address

Westgate Studios, 55 Westgate
Wakefield
WF11BW

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+447751578801

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Art Exchange posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to The Art Exchange:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram