Barnabas Arts House is an art gallery, artist studios, a venue for events and above all, a centre for creativity in Newport, south Wales. Its previous incarnations include church, soup kitchen, dance hall and printers, but at the dawn of a new millenium Barnabas has become a creative centre at the hub of Newport’s artistic community. Lovingly restored without compromising its heritage, integrity, character or charm this century old building has become a new and exciting creative space. It is Newport’s only independent Arts House.
Barnabas Arts House is run by Janet Martin. Owner, Janet Martin has been at the forefront of the arts movement for over thirty years and has impressively expanded her artistic quarter throughout this time from the humble beginnings of Gwent Picture Framing, to the introduction of Robbins Lane Studios in 2006 and culminating in her acquisition of Barnabas Arts House. In 2009, the one woman visionary purchased the magnificent old building on New Ruperra Street and in doing so gave Newport its only independent gallery space.
Jan originally attended Market Road High School, which is now commonly known as Chapter Arts Centre in Canton, Cardiff. Witnessing such an inspirational transformation at the hands of brainchild artist, Christine Kinsey left a lasting impression on Jan and thus encouraged her to offer a similar feel, albeit in a more condensed package, in Newport.
