Arts Centres - The Best of Devon

 Arts centres bring life and vibrancy to a town, functioning as a meeting place and a showcase for local talent.  In addition, many arts centres offer cafe or bar facilities, as well as classes, demonstrations and galleries of local artists work.

All arts centres have a hard time finding funding and support, but this is particularly so for the smaller centres in towns rather than cities, some of which offer fantastic facilities and bring in vital trade to the local community.

The following are three of the best that small Devon towns have to offer

 This arts centre is located on the banks of the river Tavy in the picturesqe town of Tavistock.  It was originally a busy industrial site, but was converted into an arts centre in 1995.

The centre offers a theatre, concert hall, cinema and art gallery.  There is a restaurant serving home cooked food for 32 covers, and an additional terrace bordering the quay.  The terrace is also used for BBQs pre event.  There's also a piano bar, which serves real ales and wines.

Tavistock is a thriving market town with many historic buildings and good shopping facilities with plentiful independent shops and delis.  The covered pannier market is a real treat to browse around.

The following clip is of a local Devon band Sound of the Sirens playing at the Wharf:

The Harbour House Arts Centre, Kingsbridge, Devon offers many facilities. there is music, and an art gallery, dance, Tai Chi, pilates, counselling and many events. They have a great website with all the latest news. The following clip is local West Country jazz band Desperate Measures playing at Harbour House.

The celebrated Devon pastel artist Keith Stott teaches and exhibits classes there, and examples of his students' workshops may be seen online.

Kingsbridge is situated on the glorious South Devon coast and boasts superb scenery and great restaurants.

The Arts Centre in the Chapel on Cross Street, Moretonhamsptead is a great place to pick up locally made gifts or to take a class or two. often the classes are on a 'drop in' basis and there's no need to book, so if you're holidaying and at a loose end, or the weather's bad just hop along to the chapel and see what's on offer.

The arts centre also showcases work by local artists, so there's plenty to see if you don't want to take a class. Wander along and watch artists at work, or just take in the beautiful stained glass windows.