About Us
An award winning social enterprise in the heart of West Lancashire
A Welcome From The Founder
The Artz Centre began as a vision a dream to create a safe, inclusive space where people from all walks of life could come together to explore, grow, and shine through the transformative power of the arts. Since opening our doors in 2014, we’ve become a cornerstone for creative expression, personal development, and community connection in Skelmersdale and beyond.
Every day, we strive to inspire ambition, cultivate resilience, and build confidence in our participants. From budding dancers and actors to aspiring musicians and beyond, the Artz Centre offers a vibrant range of opportunities designed to unlock potential and celebrate individuality. Whether it’s performing on stage, developing technical skills behind the scenes, or simply finding your voice, we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.
But we’re about so much more than performances and productions. At our core, we’re about people creating connections, fostering belonging, and ensuring that everyone has the chance to feel seen, heard, and valued. Through initiatives like our Chapters Program and community outreach projects, we proudly showcase the power of the arts to transform lives and uplift communities.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a returning participant, or a supporter of our mission, your presence here makes all the difference. Together, let’s aim high, work hard, show respect, and celebrate every achievement along the way.
Welcome to the Artz Centre a place where you’re encouraged to dream big, try new things, and be proud of everything you accomplish.
Warm regards,
Mark Ashton
Founder & Executive Director
Our Mission
To unleash the power of the arts to help people and communities to thrive. We believe that by making the arts accessible to everyone we can help to tell the stories that truly matter. Stories that inspire us, stories that create change and stories that help people to become the best version of themselves.
Our Promise
We promise to always be guided by our core values and to keep our students, staff and Artz Community at the forefront of our decision making. We shall make bold choices when necessary; and by holding ourselves to account, we shall continue to use our mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow. We shall keep striving to ensure that “The Arts” and its extraordinary power, is affordable and accessible for everyone.
Our 5 Big Ideas
1 - Educational Reform
To unleash the power of the arts to help people and communities to thrive. We believe that by making the arts accessible to everyone we can help to tell the stories that truly matter. Stories that inspire us, stories that create change and stories that help people to become the best version of themselves.
2 - Development of Cultural Facilities
We promise to always be guided by our core values and to keep our students, staff and Artz Community at the forefront of our decision making. We shall make bold choices when necessary; and by holding ourselves to account, we shall continue to use our mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow. We shall keep striving to ensure that “The Arts” and its extraordinary power, is affordable and accessible for everyone.
3 - Arts as a Tool for Health
To unleash the power of the arts to help people and communities to thrive. We believe that by making the arts accessible to everyone we can help to tell the stories that truly matter. Stories that inspire us, stories that create change and stories that help people to become the best version of themselves.
4 - Changing The Narrative for Boys and Men
To unleash the power of the arts to help people and communities to thrive. We believe that by making the arts accessible to everyone we can help to tell the stories that truly matter. Stories that inspire us, stories that create change and stories that help people to become the best version of themselves.
5 - A Methodology to Help Communities Thrive
To unleash the power of the arts to help people and communities to thrive. We believe that by making the arts accessible to everyone we can help to tell the stories that truly matter. Stories that inspire us, stories that create change and stories that help people to become the best version of themselves.