The Bureau is an Independent Grassroots artist led organisation that ethically partners with artists, communities, local authorities, and other bodies in Lancashire, nationally, and internationally. We have no core funding and are led by a core of 5 directors and a changing team of freelancers working together to create positive change in the town, based in The Bureau’s home on Exchange St.

Our vision is to be a catalyst for positive change through creativity, community and connection from the grassroots up.

Our mission is to create a safe space for arts and culture in Blackburn which provides accessible opportunities for artists, participants and audiences and supports a vibrant and diverse creative community.

The Bureau Centre for the Arts CIC (not for profit) was set up on 10th March 2015 as an independent, grassroots, artist led, community Arts Centre to be a creative home and hub for the people of Blackburn.

For 10 years we have provided a space for arts activities, exhibitions, performances, music, cultural events and community participation. We have regular weekly activities, plus exciting one off events that create a full programme of accessible arts experiences and opportunities for all to enjoy.

We will offer a broad range of opportunities for people to engage in arts and culture, which

is innovative, relevant to contemporary issues and to our surrounding communities. 

We will support the existing creative community, welcome new collaborators and support people to reach their full potential .

• We are a place for people from the different & diverse communities of Blackburn (particularly those who historically face barriers to participation) to experience, share and create art and culture.

• The team are passionate about affecting change within the borough in terms of the arts available to people, people’s perceptions of what the arts are for, and the benefits gained by their engagement.

• We are experienced socially engaged artists, educators and producers who work alongside other freelance artists and facilitators and an active team of local volunteers and work experience students.

• We hold exhibitions of local and emerging artists’ work, and host theatre, poetry and music performances.

• We have studio, workshop and meeting spaces to hire.

• We are a place to meet, a place to connect, a place to learn, a place to experiment, a place to perform, a place to shine, a place to exhibit, a place to make a difference!