Ards Arts Centre, located in the beautifully restored Georgian Town Hall at Conway Square, Newtownards, County Down, (BT23 4NP), is a vibrant cultural hub managed by the Ards and North Down Borough Council (ANDBC). Housed in a 1765 building designed by Edward Stratford (1736–1801, the ‘architect earl’), it offers a diverse programme of visual arts, performances, workshops, and festivals, making it a welcoming space for locals and visitors.
The centre houses two professional galleries—the Georgian Gallery and Sunburst Gallery—hosting free, temporary exhibitions of contemporary visual and applied arts. Monthly shows feature local, national, and international artists, recent graduates, and community groups, covering mediums like painting, ceramics, textiles, and printmaking.
Exhibitions often include opening receptions with refreshments, where visitors can meet artists and purchase artworks.
Visitors can explore diverse displays, such as solo exhibitions like Elaine Burke’s Repeated Hands and Joanna McNulty’s Thirtyfold. The galleries are praised for showcasing “talented young people” and established artists, offering a “thriving” cultural experience. Admission is free, making it accessible for all. Galleries are open during centre hours, with evening access during class terms (Tuesday–Thursday, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM) by contacting the centre.
- Performances and LIve Music: The centre hosts live music, theatre, and dance performances, primarily in the atmospheric Londonderry Room. The Friday Night Live series features affordable local talent, such as Mandy Bingham, known for her intimate performances exploring personal themes (e.g., her father David McWilliams’ legacy with Days of Pearly Spencer). Performances are BYOB, augmenting the relaxed vibe.
- Visitors enjoy a “jam-packed” programme, with shows like singer-songwriter Ken Haddock or theatre productions drawing crowds. The intimate setting is ideal for music lovers, though seating is limited, so early booking is advised. Tickets are available online via TicketSource or by calling +44 (0)28 9181 0803. Performances occur year-round, with peak activity during festivals.
- Creative Classes and Workshops: The centre offers hands-on creative experiences, including weekly classes and one-day workshops in drawing, painting, sculptural textiles, figurative ceramics, guitar, patchwork, mosaics, and printmaking. A 6-week printmaking course (Tuesdays 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, facilitated by Rosie Ennis, £68) covers monoprint, drypoint, lino, and collagraph, suitable for beginners and intermediates. Summer schemes provide week-long creative activities for kids (Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM).
- Classes are “fun and versatile,” with all materials provided, fostering a relaxed, engaging environment. Visitors appreciate the variety, though some note limited spaces require early registration. Workshops are bookable via www.ardsarts.com or the box office. Evening classes extend centre hours during term times, ideal for after-work visits.
Annual Festivals:
- Ards International Guitar Festival (typically April): Features global and local guitarists, with concerts, workshops, and jam sessions.
- Aspects Literature Festival (September): Showcases authors, poets, and literary events.
- Puppet Festival (dates vary): Offers family-friendly puppet shows and workshops.
- These events are highlights, drawing diverse audiences. The Guitar Festival, set, is a major draw for music enthusiasts, with details forthcoming on www.ardsarts.com. Visitors describe the festivals as “unique” and “community-focused,” augmenting the centre’s cultural vibrancy. Check www.visitardsandnorthdown.com for festival dates and tickets.
- Ards Arts Centre emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, supporting local projects and outreach initiatives. It collaborates with schools, art organizations, and the Creative Peninsula network, fostering artistic development across the borough.
- Visitors feel a “welcoming” atmosphere, with staff described as “helpful” and events tailored to all ages. Community exhibitions and free gallery access make it a hub for local creatives, though some note the centre’s focus on Newtownards limits borough-wide reach.
Practicalities:
- Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, 16km east of Belfast, accessible via the A20 and Ulsterbus No. 7, 9, or 10 (Newtownards Bus Station, a short walk away). The one-way traffic system makes the Town Hall prominent. Parking is available nearby (check www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk for details).
- Tuesday–Friday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, closed Sunday, Monday, and bank holidays. Evening access (Tuesday–Thursday, 6:30 PM–9:30 PM) during class terms; confirm via +44 (0)28 9181 0803.
- Admission: Free for gallery exhibitions. Performance and workshop fees vary (£10–£68, depending on event). Online booking via TicketSource includes a fee; in-person purchases at Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum, or ANDBC Visitor Information Centres are fee-free.
- The centre is partially accessible, with uneven ground and inclines in some areas challenging for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre (+44 (0)28 9127 0069) for case-by-case accommodations, especially for carers. Suitable footwear is advised for tours or outdoor events.
- Visit Duration: 1–2 hours for galleries and a performance/workshop, or 2–3 hours during festivals. Combine with nearby attractions for a full day.
- Atmosphere: Described as “welcoming,” “vibrant,” and “community-driven,” the centre’s Georgian architecture and diverse programme create a cultural oasis in Newtownards’ bustling centre. Some visitors find Saturday’s short hours (10:00 AM–1:00 PM) limiting.
- Sustainability: The centre holds a Bronze Green Tourism accreditation, with LED lighting and reduced paper/plastic use in its Grade A listed building.
New Features
- An open call exhibitions, announced in September 2024, invites solo and group artists, recent graduates, and community groups to showcase contemporary visual and applied arts in the Georgian and Sunburst Galleries. The programme aims to cover a broad range of mediums (e.g., painting, ceramics, printmaking) and concepts, featuring emerging and established artists from North and South Ireland. Confirmed exhibitions include Elaine Burke’s Repeated Hands and Joanna McNulty’s Thirtyfold (until June 25, 2025). Visitors can expect a dynamic lineup of monthly shows, with opening receptions and artist talks augmenting engagement. The expanded programme will offer fresh, diverse art, appealing to both casual visitors and art enthusiasts, with free entry ensuring accessibility.
- Ards International Guitar Festival 2025: Set to “strike a chord” in April, this annual festival features global and Irish guitarists, with concerts, workshops, and jam sessions at the centre and other borough venues. Promoted as a key event, it builds on past success with artists like The Coronas. Details, including performers and ticket prices, will be announced on www.ardsarts.com and www.visitardsandnorthdown.com.
- New Printmaking Course: A 6-week printmaking course, starting May 13, 2025 (Tuesdays, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, £68, facilitated by Rosie Ennis), introduces techniques like monoprint, drypoint, lino, and collagraph. Aimed at beginners and intermediates, it includes all materials and fosters a relaxed, creative environment. Book via www.ardsarts.com or +44 (0)28 9181 0803. This hands-on course adds to the centre’s educational offerings, appealing to those seeking creative skills development.
- Queen’s Hall Multifunctional Arts Centre Development Ards and North Down Borough Council is advancing a £10m project to build a new multifunctional arts centre, community venue, and library at Queen’s Hall, Newtownards, with a design team selection deadline of August 15, 2024. While construction may not be complete, preliminary activities (e.g., public consultations, design showcases) could occur, hosted at Ards Arts Centre. This project aims to complement the existing centre, augmenting arts and cultural facilities in the borough. Visitors may encounter related exhibitions or talks about the project’s vision. The development signals long-term investment in Newtownards’ arts scene, with early engagement opportunities for visitors interested in civic projects.
- Reviews note the centre’s vibrant programme but highlight short Saturday hours (10:00 AM–1:00 PM) and partial accessibility challenges (uneven ground, inclines)., the centre may extend Saturday hours during festivals or improve accessibility signage, aligning with ANDBC’s inclusivity goals (e.g., accommodating carers case-by-case). Online booking clarity via TicketSource may also improve, addressing occasional confusion over fees. These tweaks will enhance visitor satisfaction, particularly for those with mobility needs or tight schedules.
Visitor Expectations
- Time and Cost: Plan for 1–2 hours to explore galleries and attend a performance or workshop, or 2–3 hours during festivals. Gallery entry is free; performances/workshops range from £10–£68. Online TicketSource bookings include a fee, but in-person purchases at the centre or ANDBC Visitor Information Centres are fee-free. Bring cash for shop purchases or donations. Combine with North Down Museum or Scrabo Tower for a full day.
- Best Times to Visit: Spring (April 2025) for the Guitar Festival, summer (June–August) for summer schemes and exhibitions, or August. Tuesday–Thursday evenings (6:30 PM–9:30 PM) during class terms offer extended access. Midweek visits avoid crowds.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for uneven floors or outdoor events. Bring a camera for gallery photos (check performance restrictions) and cash for tickets or shop items. Dress for weather if attending outdoor festival events.
- Who It’s For: Ideal for art lovers (exhibitions, workshops), music/theatre enthusiasts (Friday Night Live, festivals), and families (summer schemes, puppet festival). Partial accessibility suits mobile visitors, but contact +44 (0)28 9127 0069 for mobility needs.
- Tips: Book performances, workshops, or festival tickets early via www.ardsarts.com or +44 (0)28 9181 0803, as spaces are limited. Check evening hours for class-term visits. Visit Ards Visitor Information Centre (nearby) for local itineraries. Confirm accessibility accommodations in advance.
Recommendations
- Explore the Galleries: Visit the Georgian and Sunburst Galleries for free exhibitions like Repeated Hands and Thirtyfold (until June 25, 2025), and attend opening receptions to meet artists.
- Attend Friday Night Live: Book a Friday Night Live performance (e.g., Mandy Bingham) for affordable, intimate music in the Londonderry Room, and bring a bottle for a relaxed evening.
- Join a Workshop: Enroll in the May 2025 printmaking course (£68) for a hands-on creative experience, ideal for beginners.
- Plan for Festivals: Mark April 2025 for the Ards International Guitar Festival, checking www.ardsarts.com for performers and tickets.
- Follow Updates: Monitor www.ardsarts.com, www.visitardsandnorthdown.com, or @ardsarts on social media exhibition schedules, festival details, and Queen’s Hall project news. Contact +44 (0)28 9181 0803 for bookings or inquiries.
Nearby Attractions:
- North Down Museum (10 miles, 20 minutes): History from the Bronze Age to today, in Bangor.
- WWT Castle Espie (10 miles, 20 minutes): Wetland reserve with family activities.
- Movilla Abbey (2 miles, 5 minutes): 6th-century monastic ruins.
- Strangford Lough (10 miles, 20 minutes): Scenic trails and marine reserve.
- Scrabo Tower (1 mile, 5 minutes): Historic landmark with panoramic views.
Ards Arts Centre is a dynamic cultural hub in Newtownards, offering a rich mix of art, music, and community engagement. Its 2025 enhancements, including a diverse exhibitions programme, the Guitar Festival, and the Queen’s Hall project, make it a recommended visit for arts enthusiasts in Ards and North Down. For the latest details, visit www.ardsarts.com or www.visitardsandnorthdown.com.
