An Oxford Arts Centre where People, Art and Powerful Ideas come together.
We use the powers of Creativity and Human Connection to change lives.

 

Ark T is a small but vital life force in Cowley, I am wholly dedicated to the team and the community and want to see the centre grow into a sustainable hub for creativity and positive change, built on its unique reputation and incredible history.

Director of the Ark T Centre ~ Emmy O’Shaughnessy

Creativity changes lives

The Ark T Centre is an open and inclusive creative community, where People, Art, and Powerful ideas come together to develop and lead:

  • Imaginative and direct actions which respond to local problems
  • Life changing projects which increased aspirations, self-efficacy and relationship skills
  • Innovative Public Art which celebrates difference, strengthens communities and transforms perceptions

Our mission is to use the transformative powers of community and creativity to change lives

We believe it’s never too late to have a happy childhood.

Working with people who are going through tough times, experiencing prejudice, isolation, exclusion, and who may feel voiceless or invisible.
We welcome and accept everybody, knowing that creativity is a skill that can build resilience, empathy and in time, fuel hope for a purposeful future.
We have a professional music studio, messy play outdoor space, café, dance and drama studio and art workshop space and are currently funded by Children In Need, Youth Music and the European Social Fund, delivering high quality therapeutic arts interventions.
Our team consists of highly skilled practitioners who champion the potential of every individual and idea.

 

Our Projects

Our projects encourage people to live their lives courageously, test new ideas and explore different opportunities outside their comfort zone.

Acknowledging progress and celebration achievement is key to building self-esteem.

Through our projects, essential life skills are developed, vulnerabilities are transformed into strengths, supporting progress into education, training, volunteering and employment.

Our Aims

To the best of our ability we will use our resources and passion to support not only individuals but institutions such as local schools, care homes and statutory services.
We achieve out mission and aims through living our truths:

  • We improve mental health and emotional resilience
  • We nurture positive relationships and life skills
  • We are non-judgemental and never give up on anyone
  • We tackle stigma and challenge oppression and discrimination of minority groups at every level
  • We increase peace and respect within communities through building bridges of tolerance and celebration of differences
  • We strengthen families through shared creative opportunities to play, have fun and grow together
  • We champion the rights of every person to live safe, happy and purposeful lives

Resources for the community

There’s a recording studio for young musicians, rehearsal space for theatre and dance, a performance and concert area and studios for a group of resident artists. Camerados Living Room is the new Café, at the heart of the Centre, provides space for people to meet each other and enjoy delicious home cooked food, or just relax with a cup of coffee.

 

Playspace @ Ark-T is a fun outdoor play area, open to all.

Studio space is given to a group of resident artists and in return for their studio space the artists help to develop the vision of the Centre, enabling others to explore the Arts and their own creative skills.

 

Opening times

These are the normal opening hours but times may sometimes vary depending on staff availability.

Monday  10:00 to 16:00

Tuesday  10:00 to 16:00

Wednesday  10:00 to 16:00

Thursday 10:00 to 16:00

Friday 10:00 to 16:00

Saturday  09:00 to 12:00 Camerados cafe only

Sunday Closed

 

Governance

Trustees
Dr Andrew Gant – Chairman
Lisa Sparks – Treasurer
Rosalind Loten
Giles Davies
Beth Allison-Glenny
Sharon Evans
Helen Morton

 

Key Policies

 

 

 

 

Privacy Notice – how we protect your personal data

 

Our Partners

We are proudly supported by: Oxford City Council, European Social Fund, Children In Need, Youth Music and Oxfordshire Community Foundation and a wide range of other organisations.

More information

 

Join us

Latest vacancies

 

 

 

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