About
Motor House Arts is a Community Interest Company rooted in the North East, working to make art, craft, and creative learning accessible to people of all ages, particularly in rural and under-resourced communities.
We care for and develop the unique site of the Arts & Crafts-period buildings comprising The Motor House as a place where people can come together to make, learn, and share knowledge through workshops, exhibitions, heritage projects, and education in art, design, media, and sustainable making.
Guided by values of inclusion, hands-on learning, and care for community and place, all income is reinvested for public benefit. The organisation is overseen by a board of directors with experience across the arts, education, and community practice, ensuring strong governance, accountability, and long-term stewardship of the site and its purpose.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be a creative centre in the North East of England and part of a national and international network connecting arts education and community, and building on our historic legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help communities solve local problems through making and design, workshops and events, and by fostering a culture of collaboration and co-production that builds skills, confidence, and collective agency.
Our Values
Inclusion. We believe creative spaces should be open and welcoming to everyone. We work to remove barriers so that people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels can take part, feel valued, and benefit from what we can do together.
Learning through Making. We believe people learn best by making and through hands-on work. We help people build practical skills, confidence, and a sense of what they can achieve.
Community building. We are rooted in the North East of England, and work with communities, artists, designers, educators, and cultural organisations to bring new creative life and opportunity to both people and place.