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An aerial view of a collection of converted farm buildings surrounding a paved courtyard and surrounded with greenery and a field of grass to the left. In front of the building is a large car park split in two by the entrance road of the property. Around the building is a collection of red-roof homes of different shapes and sizes.
An aerial view of a collection of converted farm buildings surrounding a paved courtyard and surrounded with greenery and a field of grass to the left. In front of the building is a large car park split in two by the entrance road of the property. Around the building is a collection of red-roof homes of different shapes and sizes.

About Arts Centre Washington

Housed on a 100-year-old farm, Arts Centre Washington houses a 120-capacity raked-seating theatre, two gallery spaces, a recording studio, artists’ studios and workshops, function rooms and bar.   

Overlooked by a leafy canopy of old growth trees – the building blends old and new. The lamps of a theatrical lighting rig sit amongst original wooden beams in the theatre. And a recording studio sits dampened behind 4-foot-thick stone blocks.

At the Arts Centre, we have something for everyone. Our busy programme of theatre, exhibitions, craft events and music, brings all kinds of entertainment to visitors. Alongside this, over 40 groups meet weekly to share their passions together – from dancers to model makers, artists to musicians.

We are proudly committed to accessibility. Art Centre Washington has step free access to all spaces. We also provide a safe space for dementia support and mental health groups to meet.

Two people acting on stage. One is sitting on a chair with their legs and arms raised in a comical way. The other looks on amused.
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A white exhibition space with wood flooring and dark wooden beams in the ceiling. There are paintings and drawings hanging on the walls at regular intervals and a long wooden bench standing in the middle of the room.
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A large group of people stand on stage singing. In front of them is another person facing and gesturing to the group.
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A café/bar in a stone-walled room with a vaulted ceiling and dark wooden beams. It is a long room with wooden tables and black leather chairs down the left. To the right is a marble-topped bar with various beer pumps and bottles in the shelf behind it. People sit on high black leather chairs at the bar. Others sit at the tables with drinks.
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A long table stacked with plates of pastries and other baked goods in a stone-walled room. Two people stand behind the table wearing aprons and plastic gloves taking to a group of people smiling and looking at the items on the table.
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A person stands on a red stage speaking into a microphone in front of a seating bank full of people.
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History of Arts Centre Washington

North Biddick Farm was over a hundred years old and derelict when the Washington Development Corporation took it on and transformed it into an Arts Centre in 1972.

Biddick Farm Arts Centre, as it became known, set down roots in the fabric of Washington New Town. Firm local favourites such as the ‘Art Fayre’ date to this time, as well as the legendary Davy Lamp Folk Club.

The City of Sunderland took over the Arts Centre in 1988 introducing a new programme of investment and social engagement. In recognition of the work that took place for arts and the community, in 1997 the Arts Centre received a lottery grant from the Arts Council of England. This provided funds for redevelopment – rejuvenating the building, creating more gallery space, as well as supporting more engagement.

An old, run-down stone barn on farmland viewed from underneath a stone archway.
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An old run-down farm building with 6 open archways leading into a courtyard. The floor is covere in gravel, long grass and rubble.
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An long, empty barn with a high vaulted ceiling.
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