Wysing Arts Centre
Fox Road, Bourn, Cambridgeshire, CB23 2TX
Founded in 1989, Wysing Arts Centre is a leading arts organisation set within a rural site just outside of Cambridge. Across the 11-acre site, Wysing has 20 subsidised studios, a 17th century farmhouse for up to 80 visiting artists annually, recording and ceramics studios that are open for public membership, flexible space to experiment, present and learn, fields, woodland, and several outdoor artworks.
The founders – a group of artists and philanthropists – wanted to create a space in which artists could explore their creativity away from the pressures of everyday life; an ethos which has remained since its inception over thirty years ago.
Wysing supports artists at all stages of their careers by providing time, space and resources through commissions, partnerships, events, a Young People’s programme and a renowned residency programme – to which artists from around the world are invited to. Unlike traditional residencies where the emphasis is often on production, Wysing’s offering focuses on free-thinking and taking time away from everyday life to let ideas develop.
Wysing’s ceramics studio offers membership, regular evening courses and now specialist pottery workshops throughout the year. Events at the centre include monthly workshops for young people as part of the Creative Youth Council; the Creative Youth Festival in October, which invites young people for a full day of creative workshops; and an annual Open which takes place every July and offers the public an opportunity to meet studio and residency artists. Other events take place throughout the year built around their programmes.
In 2025–2026, Wysing undertook a capital project focused on making Wysing’s rural site more accessible and welcoming, enhancing green energy and biodiversity. This was kick-started with a grant from Arts Council England capital fund to enhance accessibility on site and introduce green energy sources. It has been completed with generous funding from South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Garfield Weston Foundation and Thalia WB. Wysing is funded principally by Arts Council England through its National Portfolio scheme.
Gallery photo credits in order:
1. Wysing
2. Claire Haigh
3. Rob Harris
4. Sophie Davidson
5. Wysing
6. Sophie Davidson
7. Wysing
8. Károly Tendl