West Lothian Council delivers

Arts and entertainment

West Lothian offers a wealth of opportunities to enjoy and take part in arts.   West Lothian Council's Arts Services delivers a continuous programme of arts events and activities in the redeveloped Howden Park Centre (new window) and at other venues across West Lothian.   It supports and develops all aspects of the curriculum in schools and provides instrumental music lessons during, and out of, school hours.   West Lothian's voluntary arts groups provide opportunities to take part in everything from film to quilt making, jazz to weaving in local communities.   Arts Services adminsters an arts grants scheme available to these groups and to individuals.   West Lothian Council spends in the region of £1.5million a year on arts services aiming to make the arts an integral part of community life in West Lothian. 

Arts Services is made up of Arts Development, Arts Education Services and Instrumental Music Service.

The downloadable Howden Park Centre and Community Arts News Brochures on this page give information on the current season of performances, classes and events.

The Arts Directory gives contact information for a broad cross-section of arts organisations, companies and individuals.    Arts grants forms are also downloadable from this page.

The "new" Howden Park Centre puts arts back at the heart of the West Lothian community.   To find out  what's on this season (and more) open www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk (new window)

The £6million redevelopment of Howden Park Centre in Livingston has created a landmark destination in West Lothian designed to make everyone - especially young people and their families - feel welcome and comfortable.   A place where people can do art, see art and be surrounded by art, whether that is why they have visited or not.   The work was funded by West Lothian Council and a capital lottery grant of £1.3m from the Scottish Arts Council.

The design, by the internationally acclaimed Nicoll Russell Studios, features a new, plush, red 292 seat auditorium in the heart of the building .   A new two-storey glass front repositions the entrance, making it more accessible to people approaching on public transport via the busy St John's Hospital site as well as those using the park road.

The building still has its old character though the number and flexibility of the spaces has been increased, so that people can take part in different activities at the same time.  The redevelopment strengthens Howden Park Centre's position as a first choice venue for national touring companies. Musicians and artists have fully-equipped backstage facilities, for the first time. New purpose-built offices make Howden Park Centre the creative and administrative hub of arts in West Lothian.