The Art Bank
The Beginning
The Art Bank began taking shape in April 2018, when a former HSBC bank on Shepton Mallet High Street started its new life as a place for the community. Today we’re a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, with a café, creative spaces and a programme of events and workshops.
From open mic nights and spoken word to theatre, live music and emerging talent, we want people to have somewhere to share what they do and discover something new. Our workshops offer a chance to learn skills, build confidence and spend time with other people. We work to keep them affordable and to make The Art Bank a welcoming place that supports mental wellbeing.
The people involved bring a mix of backgrounds and lived experiences, including LGBTQ+ identities, neurodiversity, mental health challenges and caring responsibilities. Those experiences help shape a place where people can feel welcome and take part in their own way.
We want The Art Bank to be part of Shepton Mallet’s future: bringing people into the High Street, giving creativity a home and helping the town continue to grow.
Creativity and community
We believe creativity and human connection can make a difference to how people feel. At The Art Bank, that might mean joining a workshop, coming to an event, meeting someone over coffee or simply finding a place where you feel comfortable spending time.
We want to offer affordable opportunities to try new things, build confidence and connect with others. We also work with local organisations to make space for activities shaped around the people taking part, including older people, carers, LGBTQ+ people and adults with learning differences.
Over the years, we’ve worked with or received support from Shepton Mallet Town Council, Somerset Council, Somerset Community Foundation, Spark Somerset, Mind, Shepton Community Bookshop, SWEDA and local schools. These connections help us respond to what people in Shepton Mallet need.
Working with
Local councils, communities and organisations we are working with to bring our projects to life.
