The Essex town is often considered like any other seaside town that has seen better days and is often criticised for not having enough free or creative things for people to do.
But tucked away in the town centre is a hidden gem aiming to change that.
Clacton Arts Centre (CAC), founded in late 2023, has launched a range of community events, live performances and exhibitions aimed at supporting local artists and attracting more people into the town centre.
One of its biggest successes has been the Clacton Art Gallery, a pop-up gallery which opened in a vacant retail unit in September 2024.
Originally planned as a one-month project, the gallery quickly became a permanent creative hub after strong public support.
The space now showcases work from 39 local artists and creatives.
CAC was created by a collective of local residents who wanted to expand opportunities for artists to perform, exhibit and collaborate.
The group now runs monthly acoustic music showcases, open mic nights, theatrical performances and outdoor events including the Spring Fair, Winter Festival and Christmas light switch-on.
This year, the organisation will also host its own arts area at the St Osyth Summer Sounds festival.
A long-term ambition is to secure a permanent venue for the arts in Clacton.
Clacton based artist James Horsleler, who has lived in Clacton since he was nine, displays his work at the gallery.
“Mine’s the work with the big gold frames on it,” he said.
Glass artist Catherine Morgan, who volunteers at the gallery, said the idea first came after a former card shop unit became available.
“It was Zoe’s idea,” she said.
“There was a card shop here and then that folded. She managed to get the space and had this idea of having an art gallery.
“Nobody realised how many local artists there were until the word was put out.”
The gallery also hosts workshops and gives independent artists a chance to exhibit their work publicly.
Catherine said many visitors are still unaware the gallery exists.
“It’s amazing how long it takes people to know that you’re here,” she said.
“People still come in and say, ‘Oh, we didn’t know you were here.’”
She believes the gallery is helping bring more visitors into Clacton.
“A lot of people actually say they only came to Clacton because of the gallery,” she said.
“It’s an asset. It’s putting people into the town.”
Catherine only started creating glass artwork a few years ago after teaching herself through online videos.
She said the gallery has created a welcoming environment for both artists and visitors.
“There’s something for everybody,” she said.
“We get a lot of people come in and they just say it’s very calming because there’s no pressure.
“You don’t have to buy anything. It’s just to come in and appreciate the artwork.”
She added that the gallery has revealed a hidden creative community in the town.
“Who knew there were so many talented people hiding away locally?” she said.
“If you don’t belong to an art club, there’s not really anywhere to display your work. This gives people that opportunity.”
Artists at the gallery also volunteer to help run the space, creating a strong sense of community among exhibitors.
“It’s nice for the artists as well because we all volunteer and work together,” Catherine said.
“You get talking to people and sharing ideas.”
CAC hopes its growing programme of events and exhibitions will continue to strengthen Clacton’s arts scene and encourage more people to engage with local creativity.
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