Arts Centre Washington
Community arts centre in a converted farmstead in Fatfield, run by Sunderland Culture, with performances, exhibitions, classes, artists' studios and the Courtyard Bar and Cafe.
About Arts Centre Washington
Arts Centre Washington stands on the corner of Biddick Lane and Fallowfield Way in Fatfield, built around a courtyard of former farm buildings. It is run by Sunderland Culture and offers a year-round programme of live music, theatre, comedy, exhibitions, craft fairs, art clubs and dance classes, along with studio space for local creative businesses.
The Courtyard Bar and Cafe serves home-cooked food and cask ales, and there is a car park at the front of the building with Blue Badge spaces. The centre is open Tuesday 1pm to 9pm, Wednesday 9am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday 9am to 4pm, and closed on Mondays and Sundays; it closes early on evenings with no programme. For Washington residents it is the nearest arts venue, and it is a short drive from Washington Old Hall and the Washington Wetland Centre.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Arts Centre Washington.
Washington Old Hall and George Washington: The Wearside Roots of a President
How a medieval Wearside family gave its name to Washington and to America's first president, how the Old Hall was saved in the 1930s, and what you can see there today.
Christmas in Sunderland 2026: Lights, Panto, Markets and New Year
Christmas in Sunderland for 2026: the Keel Square lights switch-on, markets, the Empire panto, Santa visits, trees, Christmas Day dining and New Year's Eve fireworks.
Museums in Sunderland: What Is Open in 2026
Where to find Sunderland's history while the Museum and Winter Gardens is closed until 2028 and the National Glass Centre has shut: football, steam, aircraft, castles and local archives.
Rainy Day Ideas for Families in Sunderland
Indoor things to do with children in Sunderland when it rains: Culture House, swimming, soft play, trampolining, the cinema, a pantomime at the Empire and smaller museums.
Things to Do in Sunderland: The Complete Guide
From Roker Pier and the Seaburn sands to the Empire, Culture House, Penshaw Monument and St Peter's Church, a practical guide to things to do in Sunderland.
Upcoming Events
Events that feature or are connected to Arts Centre Washington.
Past Events
Recent events connected to Arts Centre Washington.
A Quite Quiet Special: The Lake Poets and friends
4 November 2026 · Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
The Wind in the Willows
24 October 2026 · Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
The Noise Next Door
15 October 2026 · Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
Autumn Craft & Makers Fair
26 September 2026 · Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
More Community in Sunderland
Sunderland Empire
Sunderland's large-scale theatre on High Street West, opened in 1907 and now run by Ambassador Theatre Group, staging touring musicals, plays, comedy and the annual pantomime.
The Fire Station
Live music and performance venue in Sunderland's former Central Fire Station, with a purpose-built auditorium for around 550 seated or 800 standing, plus a bar and restaurant in the old engine house.
Culture House
Sunderland's new multi-purpose cultural building on Keel Square, opened in September 2026, home to the City Library, exhibition space and bookable rooms.
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What's On
Witches, Fairies and Satan: Folk Tales of County Durham
1:00 PM · Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
Frozen Assets
7:30 PM · Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
Spotlight: Washington Open Exhibition 2026
See website · Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB