Wide Open is a celebration of Paignton’s people, places and spirit. Join us to dream up, make and experience great creative and cultural activities where you live.

Wide Open is a celebration of Paignton’s people, places and spirit. Join us to dream up, make and experience great creative and cultural activities where you live.

Light Source
Nov
13
to 29 Nov

Light Source

Wide Open is delighted to welcome Monica-Shanta as our artist in residence for November.

From 13th to 29th November, Monica-Shanta will be working with local light sources in Paignton, from the natural sun, to playful refractions of glass and water and electrical light.

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‘To the Bay …’
Dec
3
to 7 Dec

‘To the Bay …’

‘To the Bay ...’ includes work by guest artists and features latest works by contemporary landscape painter Claire Jo Harmer, including ‘en plein air’ and preparatory sketches alongside her paintings inspired by visits to Paignton coastal spots.

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Open View - 'To the Bay …'
Dec
7

Open View - 'To the Bay …'

The doors are open wide for you to celebrate the work of local artists inspired by the Paignton coast in the ‘To the Bay …’ exhibition, meet the artist Claire Jo Harmer as her project ‘Picturesque Torbay’ comes to a close.

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Composing in Light
Nov
4

Composing in Light

This workshop is suitable for anyone with a playful curiosity and interest in light, sound and technology. Artists from NooN collective invite you into the processes used to create their show 'Murmur'.

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Spooky Splash
Oct
29

Spooky Splash

The brilliant people from Paignton Community Shed have been busy designing spooktacular shapes. Get ready for Spooky Season by painting your own weird and wonderful decorations to take home.

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Strandline: Benchmark
Oct
29
to 9 Nov

Strandline: Benchmark

The culmination of a co-creative project in Paignton, with local people sharing and gathering stories of everyday heritage. This exhibition of objects, maps and stories includes a ‘Talking Bench’ installation which will take you on an audio journey across Paignton without having to leave your seat!

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Echoes: Paignton in Motion
Oct
25
to 27 Oct

Echoes: Paignton in Motion

Paignton Picture House comes alive with projections & soundscape ... a giant rotating zoetrope brings the facade to life as a motion picture machine. Through its internal machinery this contraption reflects and echos the surrounding area. Book in advance if you can!

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Creative writing sessions
Oct
11

Creative writing sessions

A series of weekly creative writing workshops gently linked to the theme of ‘sky’ and led by poet & short fiction writer Zo Copeland. Guiding you through a series of prompts and exercises, Zo's workshops aim to empower you with tools and techniques to enhance your wellbeing and creative practice.

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Strandline
Oct
5

Strandline

Join artist/musicians Emma Welton & Steve Sowden for our last creative meet-up as part of Strandline - a creative project sharing our everyday stories & making something new for our town. All welcome - tell your story & get involved!

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Creative writing sessions
Oct
4

Creative writing sessions

A series of weekly creative writing workshops gently linked to the theme of ‘sky’ and led by poet & short fiction writer Zo Copeland. Guiding you through a series of prompts and exercises, Zo's workshops aim to empower you with tools and techniques to enhance your wellbeing and creative practice.

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Creative Paignton Exhibition
Oct
1
to 19 Oct

Creative Paignton Exhibition

An exhibition showcasing some of the incredible work made as part of The Great Paignton Paint Out in 2023, a weekend of outdoor art inspired by plein air tradition, that took over the streets and seafront to show off Paignton & inspire artists far & wide!

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Creative writing sessions
Sept
27

Creative writing sessions

A series of weekly creative writing workshops gently linked to the theme of ‘sky’ and led by poet & short fiction writer Zo Copeland. Guiding you through a series of prompts and exercises, Zo's workshops aim to empower you with tools and techniques to enhance your wellbeing and creative practice.

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Strandline
Sept
21

Strandline

Join artist/musicians Emma Welton & Steve Sowden for the last few creative meet-ups as part of Strandline - a creative project sharing our everyday stories & making something new for our town. All welcome - tell your story & get involved!

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Creative writing sessions
Sept
20

Creative writing sessions

A series of weekly creative writing workshops gently linked to the theme of ‘sky’ and led by poet & short fiction writer Zo Copeland. Guiding you through a series of prompts and exercises, Zo's workshops aim to empower you with tools and techniques to enhance your wellbeing and creative practice.

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Strandline
Sept
14

Strandline

Join artist/musicians Emma Welton & Steve Sowden for the last few creative meet-ups as part of Strandline - a creative project sharing our everyday stories & making something new for our town. All welcome - tell your story & get involved!

View Event →
Creative writing sessions
Sept
13

Creative writing sessions

A series of weekly creative writing workshops gently linked to the theme of ‘sky’ and led by poet & short fiction writer Zo Copeland. Guiding you through a series of prompts and exercises, Zo's workshops aim to empower you with tools and techniques to enhance your wellbeing and creative practice.

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Technofossils: Traces of the Deep Future
Sept
10
to 26 Sept

Technofossils: Traces of the Deep Future

Through September, we welcome our Artist in Residence Erika Cann, responding to the theme of Deep Time. Erika explores the relationship between bodies and geology, through her own body as a rock climber, making work inspired by the geological past and future of Paignton, exploring the boundaries between geology and human, and natural and man-made.

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Paignton Pictures
Aug
25

Paignton Pictures

Join illustrator Cecily Salt on a sketch & scribble workshop capturing Paignton moments. This workshop is suitable for all ages. All materials will be provided, but if you have particular materials you like to use for sketching or illustration, feel free to bring them along.

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From creative events and activities, to unique spaces to test out and share your ideas, find out how you can get involved.

Wide Open is part of a major capital programme centred on Paignton Picture House made possible by the Cultural Development Fund. It will see the successful reopening of the historic grade II* listed landmark in 2025, one of the earliest purpose-built cinemas in Europe.