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20-21 Visual Arts Centre

Visit North Lincolnshire's lively contemporary visual arts centre offering a regularly changing programme of contemporary art and craft exhibitions, as well as related events and free creative activities for all ages.

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The 20-21 Visual Arts Centre in Scunthorpe is a vibrant hub for contemporary art, housed within the beautifully repurposed St John’s Church—a Grade II* listed building that blends historic architecture with modern creativity. As North Lincolnshire’s leading venue for visual arts, the centre offers a dynamic and ever-changing programme of exhibitions that showcase contemporary art, craft, and design from both emerging and established artists.

One of its standout attractions is Discover@20-21, a vibrant, hands‑on gallery designed for families, filled with glowing light tables, magnetic walls, spinning illusions and digital art screens that make learning playful. Children can build with light, solve circuit mazes, create digital artworks and see their masterpieces projected onto the huge chancel window. Outdoors, optical illusions and perspective challenges turn science into visual magic, showing how light, shape and movement can trick the eye.

Visitors to 20-21 can enjoy a wide variety of experiences, from thought-provoking installations to hands-on workshops and family-friendly activities. The centre is committed to accessibility and inclusivity, offering free creative sessions for all ages and regularly hosting events that engage the local community and beyond. Its exhibitions often explore current social themes, making it a space not just for viewing art, but for dialogue and reflection.

The venue also features a newly refurbished café overlooking a sculpture courtyard and tranquil gallery garden, providing a relaxing spot to unwind after exploring the exhibits. The on-site shop offers a curated selection of handmade art, craft, and design items created by UK-based artists, making it a great place to find unique gifts or support local makers.

Admission to the centre is free, and its central location in Church Square makes it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a curious newcomer, or a family looking for a creative day out, 20-21 Visual Arts Centre offers a welcoming and inspiring environment that celebrates the power of contemporary art in a historic setting.

Facilities

  • Accessible
  • Baby changing
  • Café
  • Shop/gift shop
  • Special events

Contact details

20-21 Visual Arts Centre, Church Square, Scunthorpe, DN15 6TA
Get directions /// cave.bend.trains

Events at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre...

Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
20-21 Visual Arts Centre

Get Crafty

next on 21 October 2026
time 13:30 - 15:00
schedule repeating

The 'Get Crafty' group is a weekly arts and crafts session for adults with a disability. This friendly group meet-up is free with no experience needed...
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
20-21 Visual Arts Centre

Get Crafty

next on 21 October 2026
time 13:30 - 15:00
schedule repeating

Get crafty is our free creative sessions every Wednesday for adults with a disability. Have fun trying a different craft every week.
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
20-21 Visual Arts Centre

The Strangest of Things

next on 24 October 2026
time 11:00 - 16:00
schedule one off

Spooky Family Funday inspired by Stranger Things Something strange is happening at 20-21… Things are getting VERY Upside Down!
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
20-21 Visual Arts Centre

Art Club

next on 24 October 2026
time 13:30 - 15:00
schedule repeating

Free guided art and craft sessions for kids 8+, a different exciting theme every month! Free to attend no booking required.
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
20-21 Visual Arts Centre

Open Exhibition - Preview and Awards Night

next on 13 November 2026
time 18:00 - 21:00
schedule one off

The 20-21 Open Exhibition is one of the highlights of our exhibition programme, and this year we’re celebrating 25 years of great art from artists...
Lively group of adults gathered around a rustic wooden table in a cozy café, sharing stories and hearty laughter over steaming cups of coffee, one person gesturing animatedly while telling a story, others leaning in with engaged expressions, comfortable armchairs and soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere, with sunlight streaming through large windows highlighting the genuine camaraderie of the moment
20-21 Visual Arts Centre

u3a Scunthorpe and District - Science and Technology

next on 19 November 2026
time 13:30 - 15:30
schedule repeating

The Scunthorpe & District u3a has several interest groups which are individual organisations offering a wide range of interests and activities.

20-21 Visual Arts Centre gallery...

Modern and spacious café inside the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, featuring bright seating areas, accessible layout, and a welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors enjoying snacks, cakes, and drinks in a repurposed historic church setting.
Children enthusiastically drawing on a large wall at the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, engaging in a hands-on creative activity that reflects the centre’s commitment to interactive and inclusive art experiences.
20-21 Visual Arts Centre at night
café inside the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, featuring bright seating areas, accessible layout, and a welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors enjoying snacks, cakes, image includes a scone and hot drink in a repurposed historic church setting.
Discover @ 2021 Visual Arts Centre, featuring bright displays and interactive exhibits, accessible layout, and a welcoming atmosphere for families and visitors in a repurposed historic church setting. Discover @ 2021 - Photography by James Mulkeen

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