OPEN                         arts & community

WHO ARE WE?

OPEN is an Arts and Community initiative of Waterloo United Free Church

The church at Waterloo has had a physical presence at the centre of the community for over 100 years. Originally known as Waterloo Baptist, in 1993 it joined with St Andrew's United Reformed and became Waterloo United Free Church (WUFC).

Originally built to house a large congregation, we recognise that church-going is not the same as it used to be. With a large building in need of upkeep and repair in 2015 Waterloo United Free Church set up a small group to begin a project called OPEN Arts. The group works to develop the use of the building for and by the community as a community arts venue alongside its faith community.  

Waterloo United Free Church manages the OPEN Arts Centre, seeking to be good news, provide hospitality and welcome to those who use the building, and to bring people together in the community through arts initiatives. We work in partnership with others to make this happen, and welcome more volunteers. We long to be able to develop the building space so that it can be even more welcoming and usable and seek funding to bring the vision of a comfortable, adaptable and welcoming space to fruition.

WHAT DO WE DO?

We have hosted a number of visiting theatrical productions, music evenings, and held art related workshops: an introduction to stained glass, and beginners art. Please see our News page for more information.

CONTACT US

For further information about us, the events, volunteering, hiring or holding community activities contact us: 07841 356 949