Newlyn Art Gallery

Business Details

Experience Contemporary Art in Cornwall

Founded in 1895, Newlyn Art Gallery stands as a leading educational arts charity dedicated to contemporary art in Cornwall. Our dual venues in Newlyn and Penzance host dynamic exhibitions featuring regional, national, and international artists, alongside a vibrant programme of events and workshops. We champion emerging regional talent while addressing universal themes with local resonance, ensuring art remains accessible to all communities. Our award-winning spaces include a redeveloped learning studio, The Engine Room, supporting creative education for all ages.

As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, we prioritise inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement through initiatives like Tea, Cake & Art for socially isolated individuals. With a heritage spanning over a century, we combine historical significance with forward-thinking programming, offering venue hire, AV equipment rentals, and retail services to sustain our mission.

Services

Exhibitions Art Workshops Venue Hire AV Equipment Rental Creative Learning Community Programmes Gift Shops Caf Services Artist Residencies Cultural Events

Highlights and features

We are a nationally recognised arts charity with 130+ years of cultural heritage
Our dual venues combine historical architecture with modern exhibition spaces
We deliver inclusive programmes for diverse audiences including marginalised communities
Our Engine Room learning studio supports creative education for all ages
We maintain a 52 tCO2 carbon footprint with sustainable operational practices

Associations and certifications

Arts Council England
Cornwall Council Culture and Creative Investment Partner

What people say

Dynamic exhibitions Welcoming atmosphere Creative community spaces Stunning coastal views Inclusive programmes

Website

Update Listing

Services

Exhibitions

Our galleries showcase dynamic contemporary art exhibitions featuring regional, national, and international artists across two historic venues. Regular programme changes ensure fresh content year-round, with special installations like Hew Locke's Armada. Exhibitions combine established artists with emerging local talent, exploring universal themes through diverse media.

Creative Learning

We provide inclusive art education programmes for all ages through workshops, courses, and community projects. The Engine Room studio delivers technical instruction alongside creative social sessions like Tea, Cake & Art for seniors. Our team of artist-educators specialises in accessible, participatory learning experiences that prioritise ownership and personal progression.

Venue Hire

The Studio and Engine Room spaces offer flexible event venues with AV capabilities for 30-110 attendees. Both spaces include accessible features, licensed bars, and technical equipment. Hire supports our charitable mission while providing distinctive locations with sea views and industrial-chic aesthetics for weddings, conferences, and cultural events.

Community Programmes

Our community initiatives use art to address social challenges through collaborative projects like Male Participation in the Arts. We prioritise inclusion through targeted outreach to underrepresented groups, devolved decision-making, and intersectional representation. Programmes combine creative health interventions with advocacy, aligning artistic practice with community-identified needs and global cultural trends.

AV Equipment Rental

We offer professional audiovisual equipment rentals to regional artists and organisations at competitive rates. Available kit includes projectors, sound systems, and presentation technology with technical support. Discounted rates for local creatives help sustain the Southwest's cultural sector, enabling high-quality productions while reinvesting proceeds into our charitable activities.

People

Tamsin Young

Development Manager

With 15+ years in arts administration, Tamsin manages funding partnerships and donor relations. She oversees legacy giving and corporate collaborations that sustain our charitable mission.

Cat Gibbard

Programme Curator & Learning Lead

Cat leads our educational initiatives, designing accessible programmes that connect communities with contemporary art practice through innovative workshops and outreach activities.

Rebecca English

Programme Curator & Learning Lead

Rebecca specialises in participatory arts education, developing inclusive learning experiences that align with Arts Council Quality Principles while nurturing emerging creative talent.

Questions

What ticket options are available for visiting the galleries?

Standard passes cost £8, with discounted Penwith Passes at £5. Art Lover Passes for unlimited annual access are £25. Under-25s receive free entry to all exhibitions.

Are the galleries accessible for visitors with mobility needs?

Both venues have wheelchair access, lifts, and dedicated parking bays. Please contact us in advance to ensure accessibility requirements are fully accommodated during your visit.

Can I host private events at the galleries?

Our Studio and Engine Room spaces accommodate events for 30-110 guests with AV capabilities, licensed bars, and technical support available for hire.

How do you support local artists and communities?

We prioritise regional talent in exhibitions, offer AV rental discounts to local creatives, and run participatory programmes that address community-identified needs through art activism.

What sustainability initiatives do you implement?

Our 52 tCO2 footprint incorporates renewable energy, recycled materials in furnishings, low-VOC paints, and carbon-conscious operations across both heritage buildings.

How can volunteers get involved?

Volunteers assist with exhibitions, front desk operations, and events. We offer training, networking opportunities, and 20% retail discounts to our volunteer team.

Reviews (6)

Write a Review

Linda King

Dec 16, 2021 Report

A really nice experience visiting today. Some very thought provoking pieces of artwork, some of them very personal to the artists.

Eli Castelli

Nov 25, 2021 Report

Fab gallery in a picturesque setting. Great book shop for the cultural visitor. Friendly & helpful staff.

Geoffrey Wilkinson

Oct 16, 2021 Report

Disappointing , we were expecting the artwork displayed to be of higher artistic merit apart from the work of Helen Woods which was well worth viewing. Staff friendly and helpful.

Chrissie Sweetman

Sep 28, 2021 Report

I think I'm too polite to express my disappointment at what was on display at the gallery compared to my expectations. It was silly of me to have expected something from the old Newlyn Art scene without updating.

Hal Willis

Sep 23, 2021 Report

Unfortunately a bit disappointed by the quality and volume of artwork on display. Only three small sections, one of which was where they were selling art by the same artist and it was all very similar. We didn't visit the exchange.

Pippa Walker

Aug 25, 2021 Report

Beautiful building in a lovely location. Really interesting and inspiring curation of artworks, I loved the collaboration work. Really nice cafe too.