Grimsby Arts Hub Celebrates 10 Years After Major Restoration
Our Big Picture recently welcomed approximately 80 guests to mark its 10-year anniversary and the completion of significant accessibility, conservation, and repair work at its arts and heritage hub on Bethlehem Street in Grimsby. The event celebrated a decade of creative and heritage activity in North East Lincolnshire and the reopening of the charity's Grade II listed building, which has been part of the town's story for over 300 years.
A Hub for Community and Creativity
The building serves as a year-round centre for exhibitions, workshops, heritage projects, and community activities, bringing together children, young people, adults, artists, and local partners under one roof. As a creative and heritage hub, it provides space for learning, making, exhibiting, and meeting, hosting regular sessions for various groups and public exhibitions throughout the year.
Visitors at the anniversary event were invited to explore the newly refurbished space, meet the team, and learn more about the ongoing work. Guided tours highlighted the improved facilities and the careful balance between conserving the historic character of the building and ensuring it is accessible to a wider range of people.
Enhancing Accessibility and Sustainability
Renovation works have significantly improved physical access and internal spaces, while also strengthening the long-term sustainability of the building. This secures its role as a vital arts and heritage hub for the community. The enhanced layout now allows multiple activities to occur simultaneously, from workshops and exhibitions to meetings and informal gatherings, making the hub better equipped to serve as a welcoming, accessible base in the town centre.
Connecting Past and Present
Archaeological discoveries uncovered during the works were on display, offering a tangible link to the site's past and sparking conversations about Grimsby's rich heritage. The exhibition programme showcased the breadth of creative activity supported by the organisation, including The Taciturn Signal by Sean alongside works by Our Big Picture artists and pieces created by children and young people through heritage projects.
Positive Community Feedback
Feedback throughout the day was overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising the welcoming atmosphere and expressing pride in seeing the town's arts and heritage hub carefully restored for community use. Since its establishment, Our Big Picture has developed into a central hub for arts and heritage activity in North East Lincolnshire, coordinating projects, partnerships, and creative programmes that reach across the local community.
Programmes for All Ages
Regular weekly sessions for children and young people in the building support wellbeing, confidence, and skills development, while heritage-based activities help participants explore local history and understand their connection to the place. Adult programmes include creative groups designed to reduce isolation and improve mental health, work with older residents, sessions with refugee women exploring traditional crafts, and networks that foster a more inclusive cultural sector.
The hub provides a shared space where these diverse groups can learn from one another and feel part of a wider community. The renovation has strengthened this work by improving access, flexibility, and facilities across the site.
Support and Future Plans
The project was made possible thanks to generous support from national and local funders who recognised both the heritage significance of the building and its importance as a community asset. Their investment ensures the structure is protected while enabling it to serve present and future generations.
Paula Denton, CEO of Our Big Picture, said: "For the past 10 years, Our Big Picture has grown into a creative and heritage hub for Grimsby. This building is where children gain confidence, where adults form friendships, where artists develop their practice, and where local history is explored and shared. The renovation means we can continue bringing people together in a space that is accessible, welcoming, and rooted in the town's history."
Although major works are complete, fundraising continues to fully cover remaining project costs. Our Big Picture will host a family-friendly celebration event on Wednesday, April 8, inviting the wider community to join in marking this important chapter. Further details will be shared via the charity's website and social media channels.
