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About
Located in Newtownards’ beautifully restored Georgian Town Hall in the centre of town, the Town Hall Arts Centre was originally designed by Stratford in 1765 and completed in 1770. The ground floor was originally an open space where the market was held with access through six archways. On the east side of the central arch there was a gaol which still exists today. The townspeople were presented with the Market House by the sixth Marquis of Londonderry in 1897.
Today, the Town Hall Arts Centre, also referred to as Ards Arts Centre, is a welcoming space which supports a wide range of community arts activities alongside our own initiatives. We regularly exhibit artwork in our two professional galleries – the Georgian Gallery and Sunburst Gallery – showcasing local, national and international artists as well as giving space to local projects.
Every year, the Arts Service of Ards and North Down Borough Council (ANDBC) delivers a packed programme of events across the borough, many of which are held at the Ards Arts Centre, from creative weekly workshops and engaging exhibitions, to live music and theatre performances, there’s always something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what your interest.
For up to date visitor information visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Facilities
Children & Infants
- Baby changing facilities
Establishment Features
- Accept coach parties
- Toilets
Payment Methods
- All major credit/debit cards accepted
Guide Prices
Admission Free
Charges apply for classes and performances
Events
Thursday, 22nd January 2026 - Saturday, 21st February 2026
Ensoulment | A group exhibition by Rosalind Lowry, Sheena Devitt, and Rozzi KennedyThree artists, Sheena Devitt, Rozzi Kennedy and Rosalind Lowry, investigate their moment of illumination through the processes of painting, sculpture and installation.
- more info
Thursday, 22nd January 2026 - Saturday, 21st February 2026
What We Can't See Now Will Last Forever | Exhibition by Kim MontgomeryKim Montgomery is a visual artist whose work combines figurative representational drawing, painting and collage, with real and imagined autobiographical narratives.- more info
Tuesday, 10th February 2026 - Tuesday, 10th February 2026
Clayful Minds | Kids Craft WorkshopCreative fun for kids during the school break, for ages 8 - 12 years!
Providing a calm and creative space, Clayful Minds is all about nurturing creativity, connection, and well-being through the simple joy of working with clay. Every child creates a clay model which they can use as a prompt to…- more info
Thursday, 12th February 2026 - Thursday, 12th February 2026
Express Yourself! | Kids Art WorkshopCreative fun for kids during the school break, for ages 7 - 11 years!
This vibrant workshop blends art-making with drama-based games, offering a lively and inspiring experience for young creatives.- more info
Saturday, 14th February 2026 - Saturday, 14th February 2026
Acrylic Painting Workshop with Kim MontgomeryAcrylic painting workshop suitable for all levels from beginners to those more experienced who wish to spend a day painting with like-minded people.- more info
Thursday, 26th February 2026 - Saturday, 21st March 2026
Drawn Together | An Exhibition of Drawings, Paintings and Prints by Richard Croft PPRUA (1935 – 2025)For this exhibition organised and curated before Richard Croft's passing last year, the focus is on drawing and how this was used by the artist to sketch, record and develop compositions for paintings and prints. For much of his adult life, drawing was central to his art practice, as can be seen in…- more info
Friday, 27th February 2026 - Friday, 27th February 2026
Friday Night Live | Ben ReelSince launching his solo career in 1999 with 'This Is the Movie', Ben Reel has carved a distinctive path through rock, folk, soul, and Americana.
Friday Night Live: Bring a bottle, sit back, relax and enjoy the best affordable live music in town!- more info
Wednesday, 18th March 2026 - Wednesday, 18th March 2026
Drawn Together | Exhibition Talk and TourAs part of the exhibition, 'Drawn Together: An Exhibition of Drawings, Paintings and Prints by Richard Croft PPRUA (1935 – 2025)', art historian, Amanda Croft, will present a talk and tour of the exhibition of her late father's work.- more info
Friday, 20th March 2026 - Friday, 20th March 2026
Spring Solstice with NI OperaCelebrate the arrival of spring with a delightful hour of music from Northern Ireland Opera.- more info
Thursday, 26th March 2026 - Saturday, 25th April 2026
A Fig for a Kiss | Exhibition by Naomi LitvackIn exhibition, 'A Fig for a Kiss', Naomi Litvack focuses on organic worlds, reflecting on memory, observation, and the fleeting act of looking - seeking to transform passing impressions through painting.- more info
Thursday, 26th March 2026 - Saturday, 25th April 2026
The Luthier's TaleA photographic exhibition as part of Ards International Guitar Festival.
2026 marks 30 years of the Ards International Guitar Festival, and with this exhibition we take you back to where it all began in 1996. The festival was inspired by the presence of exceptional guitar makers in Newtownards –…- more info
Friday, 27th March 2026 - Friday, 27th March 2026
Friday Night Live | Glass Half FullAfter two decades performing together across Europe with the renowned Irish folk band The Rapparees, Joe McKeague and Kevin Mawdsley reunite under the new banner Glass Half Full — a duo that distils years of experience, friendship, and musical craft into something fresh, heartfelt, and unmistakably…- more info
Wednesday, 15th April 2026 - Sunday, 19th April 2026
Ards International Guitar Festival 2026The Ards International Guitar Festival is back with a bang in April 2026 celebrating 30 years of guitar inspired gigs and free fringe events! Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical and contemporary music for guitar aficionados across Newtownards.- more info
