Watermans Art Centre

Watermans is the major arts centre in West London and an independent charity with a wide outreach programme. We house an independent cinema that seats 121 + 3 wheelchairs, theatre that seats 230 + 4 wheelchairs, contemporary art gallery and creative spaces for the community. There’s a year round programme of film, children’s theatre, performing arts such as cabaret and comedy, and free exhibitions. We’re situated in a stunning location on the banks of the River Thames, opposite Kew Gardens with a large riverside café bar and restaurant. We’re a social enterprise which means that any money we make is ploughed back into providing events and opportunities to take part for the whole community. Our mission is to bring communities together through cultural participation. We believe it isn’t just important to reach audiences, but to get audiences to take part in the Arts. This idea drives everything we do. It means that there are always things to do here for people from all walks of life. It means that we make a point of catering for minority groups, disabled groups and marginalised groups. It also means that we treat these groups just like everybody else. We give them the same access and opportunities but we also have the same expectations for them. We deliver an extensive learning and participation programme for young people which offers over 2000 sessions per year with attendances of over 50,000. Programmes are typically focused on creative skills development, raising aspirations and introducing young people to creative employment opportunities. We are passionate about taking arts and culture outside to places where people naturally gather, such as at the outdoor venue we operate in Hounslow: Bell Square. Or seeking out new audiences in places where you don’t usually expect to see the Arts, such as our leading role in Hounslow’s Creative People and Places programme. Come and visit – we look forward to welcoming you!