Posted by
Frankie Gale
The Guildford Institute, a charity providing cultural education to the local community and beyond, has launched its latest brochure with 130 activities taking place from October to March. Choose from courses, talks, visits, music nights, film screenings and more! Based in its historic building on Ward Street, discover what’s on offer at the Institute’s welcoming community hub.
The Institute’s packed programme includes 98 courses, ranging from art history and visual arts to tai chi and languages. There will be 19 fascinating afternoon talks, opportunities to explore with 3 coach visits, and 10 entertaining special events.
Art history, a staple in the Institute’s programme, is set to grow with a new Talking Art series taught by longstanding tutor Ronnie Ireland. These interactive, discussion-based sessions aim to share different viewpoints and experiences to develop a broader understanding of art. No knowledge required! This first series will focus on five important movements: Classical; Baroque; Impressionism, Expressionism and Abstraction. Who knows what will be discovered – come along to find out!
For those who prefer shorter activities, learn something new in an hour at the Institute’s afternoon talks. Delve into an array of local history with talks on Royal Guildford, boating on the River Wey and West Horsley Place. Discover the nation’s favourite artwork and find out about 60 years of music on the television!
Weekend music events at the GI Music Lounge continue, with performances by a range of talented musicians including the Trio Pierne, who will present a Jane Austen inspired repertoire, and the Allison Neale Trio for a first-class show of jazz. The Institute’s music events are kindly sponsored by Andertons Music.
Take a nostalgic trip with film screenings of Hollywood classics Casablanca, Meet Me in St Louis and The Seven Year Itch. Before each screening, get together with other film fans while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits.
There will be even more opportunities for creativity as the Institute welcomes artist Kate Alger, who will be offering the chance to experiment with air dry clay, create striking monochrome drawings, and enjoy a fun evening painting with sticks and sponges!
Local mixed-media artist Aska Gough is the Institute’s brochure cover artist with her stunning work Arabian Nights, inspired by the opulence and vibrancy of textures found in Arabic culture. Learn how to make multisensory artwork with Aska at the Institute with her mixed media and resin workshops, creating an abstract woodland and beach or landscape.
Amy Rice, Institute Manager, says: “We’re aiming to inspire the local community through our latest programme with opportunities to learn, create, be entertained and more! Our activities and welcoming community hub also provide those all-important moments to meet and form genuine connections with others”.
The Institute’s programme is generously sponsored by Experience Guildford and Cheyney Goulding.
The Institute’s programme will run from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026. Advance booking for all paid Institute activities is essential. View the Institute’s brochure online via www.guildford-institute.org.uk or pick up a copy from the building.