OUR AIM – to re-open an Arts Centre with a vibrant program of events and activities that make locals and those from the wider borough want to visit time and time again.
We believe in the power of art to enrich lives and strengthen community. Our aim is to make art accessible to everyone, providing practical ways for you to engage with art in everyday life. From workshops to art classes, we plan to offer a variety of programmes that integrate art into our daily routines.
The Save Our Watermans campaign was part of our effort to keep the doors open and for the centre to remain as a cultural hub in Brentford.. Sadly, Hounslow Arts Trust who ran the centre decided to close up operations and move to Hounslow town centre.
So our mission continues as Brentford Arts Works to acquire that space for Meanwhile Use and to offer continued arts, culture and entertainment by the river. So, we reach out to the community for support—whether through advocacy, leaflet distribution, financial contributions or writing in with ideas on what you would like to see at the centre. The Centre is a space where our community can continue to come together, share experiences, and grow through art and culture.
This is where you come in. Brentford Arts Works is based on a collaboration and is shaped by its community. We value your input; if you have suggestions, we’re eager to hear from you and whether you have a few hours to volunteer, are good at ‘blue sky thinking’ and help spread the word, do get in touch with us. Join our mailing list. Send in your comments.
Brentford Arts Works is a community, is a movement.
Join us in making arts and entertainment a part of everyday life in our community.
Our Story So Far
17th November 2023
BrentfordTW8.com covers the ongoing community efforts to save the Watermans Arts Centre, detailing the submission of an ‘expression of interest’ by the “Save Our Watermans” campaign for temporary use of the building. Hounslow Council is assessing proposals while maintaining plans for a new arts centre. Councillor Tom Bruce emphasizes the council’s commitment to ensuring interim use of the site and ongoing community arts projects. For further details, read the full article here
Community mobilisation begins: the Save Our Watermans campaign takes off, capturing the collective effort to preserve a beloved cultural landmark.
26th March
community’s shock
Councillor John Todd expressed significant public concern and dissatisfaction regarding the abrupt decision to close the centre, criticizing the lack of sustainable justification provided by the trustees and the absence of public consultations or discussions about alternative solutions.
27th March
A void
Councillor Shivraj Grewal expressed his support for the closure of the Watermans Arts Centre, citing unsustainable operational costs. He recognizes the community’s disappointment but stresses the financial risk of insolvency that could halt all operations of the Hounslow Arts Trust. Despite this, Grewal highlights the council’s ongoing commitment to cultural initiatives, including plans for a new arts and culture centre on the former police station site in Brentford. However, the community remains skeptical, feeling the closure of Watermans leaves a significant cultural void.
28th March
Watermans meeting:
Lindy Shaw, using it for 40 years, says:
“This is one of the worst criminal acts I’ve ever been witness to.”
In the wake of the closure of the Watermans Arts Centre, community members voice deep concerns and personal hardships as local business owners discuss the critical impact on their hospitality enterprises, which supports numerous families, and residents express profound distress over the potential loss of essential employment for vulnerable individuals.
5th April
The Hounslow Labour Group has addressed concerns regarding the imminent closure of Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford. Due to financial pressures exacerbated by economic challenges, reduced funding, and increased operational costs, the Hounslow Arts Trust, managing the centre, decided to close it to prevent insolvency. The Trust will continue its other cultural activities across Hounslow. The council, owning the site but not managing the Centre, supports this decision to prioritize sustainable financial planning and future cultural projects, including a new arts centre on the Brentford Police Station site. Concerns about the current building’s use, the restaurant, and the equipment are being managed through discussions and future planning with community input sought for viable use proposals. Full article
6th April
A public meeting was attended by a diverse coalition of political representatives and concerned citizens. The absence of Labour councillors at the event, despite the presence of members from the Greens, Conservatives, Socialists, and Independents, is highlighted, intensifying the public outcry against the closure. The banner on the right calls for further action with a planned demonstration, underlining the community’s relentless effort to keep the arts centre open, with the event drawing media attention to escalate the issue. The event captures the spirit of a community united in crisis, galvanised to challenge the decision to close a cherished cultural hub.
11th April Morning Closure Day
A vibrant snapshot of community advocacy in action, showing the “Save Our Watermans” campaign’s efforts to halt the shutdown of the Watermans Arts Centre in Brentford. A mix of protest activities, signage, and public engagement, of the fervor of the public protest organized for a Thursday at 1 PM. The campaign is underpinned by a petition with details demanding the continuation of operations at the centre, leveraging developer contributions to support it financially amidst ongoing financial difficulties. This collective demonstration and the petition, supported by 544 signatories, embody the community’s resolve to keep this cultural asset alive, illustrating the depth of local commitment to retaining their cultural heritage.
11th April Closure Evening
12th April
Jan Lennox’s statement announcing the closure of Watermans Arts Centre, while expressing sadness and future hopes, overlooks key management failures. Rising costs, particularly energy bills, were cited, but many feel these challenges should have been anticipated and better managed. The focus on future developments does not mitigate the immediate cultural loss to the community. This closure reflects poorly on the leadership’s ability to sustain an essential community asset, raising critical questions about their planning and financial foresight. The community deserves transparency and accountability, not just promises of future projects. Full Article
16th April
The Communist reports on the closure of Brentford’s Watermans Arts Centre, attributing it to capitalist cuts and rising costs. The article criticizes Hounslow Council and developers, alleging profit-driven motives behind the decision. The short notice and lack of consultation have angered locals, leading to spontaneous meetings and discussions of potential occupations to save the centre. The report highlights the broader trend of arts funding cuts and calls for community action to defend cultural institutions. Full Article
22nd April
Laura Blumenthal, a Tory candidate questioned the short notice given for the shutdown—only 22 days—and accuses the Labour councillors of lacking transparency regarding the centre’s financial troubles. She advocates for the adoption of a “Residents Transparency Charter” that would require a three-month notice before closing any council-owned building. This call for accountability reflects deep community concern about preserving local cultural assets and demanding greater foresight and openness from local government representatives.
Guy Lambert expressed his ongoing efforts to retain the Watermans Arts Centre, acknowledging financial challenges but emphasizing active community and political engagement to find a solution. Meanwhile, Councillor John Todd highlighted auditors’ concerns about the closure, criticizing the council’s lack of proactive response to the situation.
April 26th
Councillor Tom Bruce expressed a commitment to reopening the Watermans Arts Centre as swiftly as possible, noting that the council will soon request expressions of interest for interim uses of the building. This process, anticipated to take four months, hinges on the quality and number of proposals received. His statement comes amidst criticism for the absence of Labour councillors at a key public meeting, underscoring a sense of urgency and community engagement in response to the closure.
2nd May 2024
The article from SW Londoner discusses the closure of Brentford’s Watermans Arts Centre with very short notice, sparking significant discontent among local residents and artists. It mentions a community-led campaign initiated to engage with the Hounslow Council for discussions, although no formal talks have occurred yet. The closure is attributed to financial difficulties, particularly rising energy costs. There’s also mention of a potential new location for the centre, though plans are still uncertain. For more details, you can read the full article here: Full article
10th May 2024
BrentfordTW8.com talks about the “Save Our Watermans” campaign and the submitted ‘expression of interest’ for the temporary use of the Watermans Arts Centre’s current location. Hounslow Council, aiming for a long-term redevelopment, is considering temporary proposals while final plans are underway. Councillor Tom Bruce emphasized efforts to expedite the reopening of the building and ensure the handover from Hounslow Arts Trust is smooth. Progress on related redevelopment projects, including a new arts centre, remains slow with potential adjustments being discussed. Full Article
16th May 2024
Chiswick Calendar reports on the ‘Save Our Watermans’ campaign’s bid to use the currently vacant Watermans Arts Centre. The initiative, driven by local stakeholders, aims to keep the building active pending its future redevelopment.
Brentford Arts Works 