Art Brings Life to Empty Shops in Swindon
Swindon art in empty shops is transforming the town centre, thanks to a bold initiative by community group Artsite. By converting vacant business units into temporary art exhibition spaces, the project aims to breathe new life into Swindon and attract locals and visitors who might not frequent traditional art venues.
Now in its 26th year, Artsite has already run two major art festivals in Swindon. The town is struggling with empty retail units and rising anti-social behaviour. This new effort highlights Swindon’s creative energy while tackling urban decline.
Reviving Town Life with Swindon Art in Empty Shops
“This is our mission,” said organiser Sue Bardwell. “It’s about giving people a different offer—a new reason to come into the town centre.” Bardwell hopes the art will remind people of the creativity and energy in Swindon. “People need a reminder of that sometimes,” she added.
Some long-vacant shops were transformed for Threads, Artsite’s textile art festival. A standout exhibit at The Carriage Works displayed tea towels with bold, subversive messages. The topics included climate change, mental health, and social justice.
From Paint to Performance: A Rich Artistic Legacy
Artsite also runs Swindon Paint Fest, a street art celebration. The event brings public spaces to life with visual creativity. But access to venues has become harder. Sue and her sister Jackie Bardwell say rising costs and bureaucracy make it tough to secure space.
“Swindon’s very personal and close to me,” said Sue. “There’s room for improvement, but it’s not as dismal as people think.” She pointed out that many neglected buildings are privately owned. “I’d support laws to stop landlords from letting buildings fall into ruin,” she added.
Capturing Swindon’s Cultural Memory
Jackie Bardwell has long brought creativity into the heart of town. Decades ago, she led a performance group called Les Bicyclettes that lit up public spaces. Her latest exhibition explores Swindon’s cultural scene in the 1970s and 1980s. It features stories and memorabilia from dance, theatre, and circus shows.
These events once drew large crowds to the Brunel Shopping Centre.
“There were amazing shops in Swindon then,” said Jackie. “McIlroys had live bands. The Savoy was a cinema. There was a buzz that filled the streets.” She added, “It would be fantastic to bring that atmosphere back.”
A Vision for a Creative Future
Despite the challenges, the Bardwell sisters are committed to Swindon’s creative revival.
Their work shows how art can reimagine public spaces, restore local pride, and bring people together in struggling towns.
