Joy, connection, community and creativity
In 2024 we launched something truly special: New Brewery Hearts – a programme that provides free access to creative courses and classes for people who need the wellbeing, fulfilment, and friendship that regular creativity brings.
Thanks to the generosity of our New Brewery Hearts Supporters and Patrons, we’ve been able to offer creative opportunities to those facing real barriers – whether emotional, financial, or social. Our goal is ambitious: to deliver 1,200 hours of free studio time every year.
In the 12 months since launching, we’ve grown our impact by partnering with frontline charities including Gloucestershire Carers, The Churn Project, and Cirencester Opportunities Group. Together, we’ve already delivered 640 hours of studio time – and we’re just getting started.
We’d love to introduce you to Sophie, one of our New Brewery Hearts participants. In this short video, she shares how learning stone carving has brought mindfulness, purpose, and friendship into her life – and how New Brewery Hearts has truly made a difference:
We’re still working toward our goal of 1,200 hours a year and expanding our reach to more people who need us. To do that, we need the continued support of people like you.Just £10 enables an hour in the studios.
We’ve teamed up with the Charity Aid Foundation (CAF) to process your donations to New Brewery Hearts
How can New Brewery Hearts help me?
Making something creates a sense of fulfilment and sparks joy, it gives you a space think differently about things and taking part in a regular activity brings people together, and helps you meet new people.
What can I do?
We offer courses and workshops in a broad range of crafts, including: pottery, stonecarving, textiles, painting & drawing, printing, fashion and millinery. Courses run for five to 10 weeks, while workshops can be anything from a half-day session to a full weekend. Beginners are welcome.
Where is it?
Courses and workshops are held in our wheelchair accessible building in the centre of Cirencester.
How do I apply?
We’d love to hear from you. Call us on 01285 657181 or email hello@newbreweryarts.org.uk
What our New Brewery Hearts students say…
“Joining the course at New Brewery Arts was a turning point for me. I live a very isolated life in a quiet village with my parents. I am neuro diverse and suffer with dark depression . Life was empty and I had no hobbies or routine. I would lie in bed all day long and have no purpose to get up.
I was able to get a bursary which was amazing, as being on benefits means I don’t have a lot of money to spend on myself. I look forward to my weekly sessions. I have made a friend.
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“As a disabled person on benefits, I could never have afforded this experience, it’s made me feel worthy of something special. It’s made me feel someone believes in me.”
“I am passionate about ceramics – it fits in around my responsibilities as a single parent and my chronic health condition (ME). Pottery is the one bit of ‘me time’ I have every week and it keeps me sane. It challenges me and gives me a sense of achievement.”
WHAT'S ON
New Brewery Arts is the place to come and explore the best of British craft and creativity. We have over 100 weekly courses and short workshops on offer each term and regularly changing exhibitions.
blend Café
Blend Café is a casual, welcoming space for any occasion - whether that’s a cosy morning coffee in town, a much-needed nourishing lunch break during the work day, or a quick nibble before a weekend exploring Cirencester and the wider Cotswolds.