Hard-working Creative Harrogate forced to launch 'urgent appeal' to find new home

Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Creative Harrogate may only have been operating for a few years in the big open plan office space of the first floor in the former CNG offices at 2 Victoria Avenue.

But its contribution to the town’s arts world has been significant beyond its means.

Sadly, the building’s agent has found a new tenant and the volunteers of Creative Harrogate have to be out by March 29.

One of the key members of Creative Harrogate, Annabel Smith, said: "We are devastated we have lost the space but we did know that this was a possibility and it always hung over our heads.

"Creative Harrogate is a hub where people can meet, paint, sew, sculpt or even sing, with acoustic nights being one of the things we have been trialling in the space.

"We have been lucky and have had 18 months but commerce always has the power and arts hubs can lose out."

In a week which saw Harrogate enter the race to be the UK’s first Town of Culture, it’s a reminder that the town’s grassroots scene does not always get the institutional support it deserves.

At the moment, Skippko Arts Team, a non-profit organisation in Leeds, is trying to help Creative Harrogate find new premises.

Priding itself in delivering creative co-working spaces, Creative Harrogate’s aim is to increase engagement and purposeful participation across a wide range of communities and cultures in Harrogate, and facilitate opportunities for people to develop a range of skills for the 21st century.

Its hard-working team actively work to instigate, develop and promote cultural projects in Harrogate, connecting communities and championing cultural enrichment and access for all, improving local pride and wellbeing.

Creative Harrogate is appealing to anyone who can offer a low cost open empty space with good light for art making, music making, rehearsals and exhibitions with a kitchen, loos and easy access.

More information: https://www.creativeharrogate.co.uk/