Fundraising continues as Frome arts centre celebrates 40th anniversary

A Frome arts centre is celebrating its 40th year with an ongoing fundraising campaign and a series of special exhibitions.

Black Swan Arts on Bridge Street opened in 1986. The venue features contemporary, innovative arts and crafts, providing exhibition space, a shop, workshops and studios for artists to showcase and create their work.

Last year, the charity launched a fundraising campaign to raise £10,000 following a rise in running costs, which threatened its future.

Thanks to the community’s support, the centre was saved from closure. However, the trustees have said the campaign will continue throughout their 40th year.

Co-chair of trustees Ian Fooks said, “Now in our 40th anniversary year we are asking for your help to propel Black Swan Arts into the future, creating new exhibitions and events for the people of Frome and the surrounding areas to enjoy.

“Escalating running costs in recent years mean that the income we generate from renting the various studios and café space, together with our shop sales, is barely enough to keep the building open and maintained. Let alone to enable us to improve the building and take forward our core aim of increasing access to and involvement in art for the local community.

“We need your support to achieve our ambitions. Frome is a connected and creative community that we are proud to be part of. If you would like to play a part in shaping the future of your Black Swan Arts, please make a donation today. Every penny raised will go towards securing an exciting, sustainable future as we move through our 40th anniversary year and beyond.

“Last year, thanks to your incredible support, we kept the doors of Frome’s leading arts centre open, and for that we want to say a heartfelt thank you.”

Exhibitions

To mark its 40th year, the centre is running a series of special exhibitions. These include ‘Clay Connections’, which presents a diverse selection of 40 ceramic objects by nine contemporary ceramicists. They are also running an ambitious fundraising exhibition called ‘Think XL’, launching in April, showcasing 40 works of art donated by 40 artists, all of whom have had a connection to the centre since it first opened.

In May, there will be an exhibition titled ‘Partners in Art’ from the Frome Art Society. This will feature work from around 50 artists who live in and around Frome and come together to paint, learn and share ideas and inspiration. The work on show will reflect their diversity and talent, including oils, acrylics, watercolours and drawings in a variety of styles.

Entries for this year’s Open 2026 exhibition have also opened, showcasing diverse artwork from established and emerging artists.

Ian said, “The Round Tower continues to be booked out to a range of interesting exhibitions and activities, including teaching sessions and wellness coaching.

“This is our 40th year, and we are hoping for a bumper crop of entries, showing the range and quality of artistic talent in the region.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Black Swan Arts or register for Open 2026 can visit the website for details: blackswanarts.org.uk