Beaford Arts was founded in 1966 and is England's longest-established rural arts organisation. 

The Beaford Archive was built from 1972-1989 by artist and photographer James Ravilious into a collection of over 80,000 images (having been started in 1971 by BAFTA award-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins)

Beaford Arts works with volunteers across the region to bring professional performing arts events to non-traditional rural venues like village halls, community centres and schools. These events range from music, dance, theatre productions and comedy to clowning, politics, science and even cookery.

Performances in these small community spaces are intimate and engaging, and both audiences and performers always enjoy meeting each other after the shows. Beaford Arts has worked with many artists who have experienced rural touring for the first time; in every case they have loved the experience and have continued to develop new shows suited to smaller rural venues.

What’s On

The Beaford Arts website has complete listings of upcoming shows, many of which can be booked online:

Become a Friend

Beaford Arts is a charitable organisation supported by Arts Council England, the Dartington North Devon Foundation and a region-wide network of volunteers. If you appreciate their work bringing live music, art classes and craft workshops to the Barnstaple area, why not become a “Friend” - donate from just £10 per year and receive regular information and invitations to special events.

Volunteering

Beaford Arts is always looking for local people to help bring professional rural touring artists to small communities across North Devon. With the organisation’s support, volunteers can bring extraordinary arts, music and craft events to their towns and villages; without these enthusiastic volunteers Beaford Arts would be unable to put on the great range of events that they currently do.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, gain skills and contribute to your community, why not give it a go? Contact Claire Ayres, Communities Manager, via the contact page.

Beaford Education

Beaford Arts also work with schools in the Barnstaple and North Devon area to deliver a range of art classes, craft workshops and other courses for students of all ages, giving them a chance to meet and learn from local, national and international professionals.  

Beaford Arts supports schools working towards Artsmark, and also has trained advisors who can deliver and assess Arts Award in your setting - this gives young people the chance to achieve certification in Discover, Explore, Bronze, Silver or Gold level Arts Award, accredited through Trinity College London.

Beaford Arts
Art Classes | Craft Workshops | Live Music | Theatre Productions
Watch out for us at a village near Barnstaple
& across North Devon

 01769 572573