The Horsebridge Arts Centre

Great Community space, went to the whitstable ceramics fair.

The Horsebridge Arts and Community Center has been running for almost 20 years. Originally it was supported by mainly grants, but its almost fully funded by the artists hiring the gallery spaces and the locals, plus the transient holiday makers. The Horsebridge is well worth a visit as it has many excellent art exhibitions as there is a plethora of talented creatives wanting to show off their talents. With a mixture of traditional and contemporary there is something for everyone. The center also supports workshops, classes and film showings. Check the Horsebridge out the next time you are in Whitstable....you won't be disappointed.

Community Arts Centre providing a hub for local artists. The centre has both a large and small gallery space on the ground floor, a small shop tucked away to the left of the reception desk and the stairs. Upstairs there is a cafe, meeting rooms and a large space used as a cinema!

lovely art and a lovely gift shop it's also free entry so why not go :)

I took a knitting course here led by Joyce and it was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in a long time. The center is so hospitable and has built an amazing community for everyone to enjoy. I wish there was a horsebridge arts center in every town and I felt so lucky to be a part of it while here on holiday.

We watched it being built and over the years it's been quite an attraction. It's on the old Vounteer Bureau site. I'm not sure I particularly like the rather contrived up-turned-boat roof but I know other people do. I'm not sure if they still have the cafe upstairs as it never did a particularly good trade being out of the way. They have regular art displays and these are at best mundane affairs. Local artists with more enthusiasm than skill. Let's be frank some of them have no skill at all and it's all a bit embarrassing. Still, I suppose it's harmless enough and keeps them busy. I've noticed some of the staff on reception have become rather truculent lately. Not all of them, but some appear to consider it part of their duties to rudely demand a donation to the charity running the place. It's remarkable - give someone a desk and a computer and their childish need to express authority soon takes over. These staff have a decidedly adversarial manner and seem to see themselves as standing guard which is all very unfortunate for a charitable body.

Cafe much improved with new owners. Quite expensive though. £5.30 for a pot of tea and a (delicious) brownie. Music from vinyl records on turntables. Games for children. Nice ambience. Exhibition not open when I visited.

This is a real community based arts centre, and is also a charity. There are various classes and workshops for both adults and kids, but is also nice just to pop in for a look around the exhibits, or stop upstairs at the cafe. There are clean and well maintained toilets here too. There is also a collection box downstairs by the front desk, so you can make a donation if you want to.

The Horsebridge is a great community centre for Arts, entertainment and a huge array of classes and activities. The ground floor acts as an everchanging gallery with new and establised artistic talent showcased. Entry to the gallery is free and makes art accessible to all. Upstairs the Horsebridge has a cafe with blacony seating which allows a great view of whitstable. The Horsbridge is also home to a number of day and evening claases including yoga and children's french and drama lessons.