Arts at the Old Fire Station is a creative laboratory and pioneering charity and company based in The Old Fire Station, in central Oxford. We share the building with Crisis, the national homeless charity. Our central belief is that Art is for everyone, and everyone has potential. We have a Theatre, Shop, Gallery, Café, Studio and Workshops. We have four charitable aims: great art for the public; the professional development of artists; building the confidence and skills of homeless people; creating an inclusive public space. We are a nationally-recognised model of social inclusion, and have been cited as good practice by the Cabinet office, Local Government Association and Culture Hive. Our funders include Arts Council England and the Big Lottery Fund.
Since opening to the public in 2011, we have hosted hundreds of public artistic events and shows across art forms in our theatre and gallery as well as over 25 regular weekly dance classes. We have helped emerging artists develop their professional skills – making, showcasing and selling work - and fostered the development of talent through workshops and networking. We also provide homeless people with the opportunity to cultivate their skills, develop networks and grow resilience as audience, participant, volunteer, trainee and/or artist. We provide a shared, inclusive and creative public space.
