Situated on the iconic seafront of Blackpool, England, ART B&B stands as a living testament to the belief that art, community, and hospitality can not only coexist but thrive together. More than a hotel, this unique establishment is a vibrant social enterprise, a community interest company (CIC) that has fundamentally reimagined the traditional bed and breakfast model. Its core mission is encapsulated in a simple, elegant phrase:
"Supporting the Arts while you sleep."
By reinvesting all of its profits into local creative and community projects, ART B&B has transformed a conventional business into a powerful engine for social change and artistic empowerment, proving that a restful stay can also be a deeply meaningful one.
The physical building itself—a fully renovated Victorian seafront B&B—is the canvas for this audacious vision. What was once a typical guesthouse has been meticulously reconfigured and re-imagined by over 30 commissioned artists, both established and emerging. Each of the 19 rooms is a bespoke work of art, a unique "sleep-in installation" that offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience.
From luxurious suites with panoramic sea views to comfortable, creatively designed bunk rooms, every space tells a story. One room, designed by Professor Tim Etchells, features a neon sculpture, while another, the "Willy Little" suite, celebrates the fictional career of a legendary entertainer. The "Welcome Inn," a conceptual piece by disabled artist Christopher Samuel, was intentionally designed to be awkward and difficult to navigate, highlighting the daily struggles faced by people with disabilities in a thought-provoking, powerful way.
These artistic touches, combined with the hotel's focus on comfort—from high-thread-count sheets to super-fast, dedicated Wi-Fi—create a stay that is both intellectually stimulating and genuinely relaxing.
ART B&B extends its mission beyond the bedrooms. The ground floor functions as a mini-arts centre, with creative public spaces designed to foster community and collaboration. The ART BAR and the "B-Space" are multi-function venues that host a vibrant programme of events, performances, and workshops. These spaces serve as a hub for both guests and locals, ensuring that the hotel is a true part of the Blackpool community, not just a place to stay. Past events have included everything from "Yoga & Brunch" sessions to live music and performance art, demonstrating the hotel's commitment to offering a diverse cultural programme.
The community-focused business model is a defining feature of ART B&B. As a Community Interest Company, it operates with the explicit goal of benefiting its community. This is evident in its projects and partnerships, which are central to its identity. For example, their project, the "Virtual Art B&B Pyjama Party," transformed the hotel's opening into a collective, virtual event, showcasing its playful, inclusive, and technologically savvy approach to engagement.
A core part of the ART B&B mission is to support the creative community. They provide a unique platform for artists to showcase their work, and their job roles, such as the "Creative Host," are designed to nurture emerging talent and provide pathways into the arts sector. The organization’s partnerships with major players in the UK arts scene, including Arts Council England, and Power to Change, underscore its legitimacy and its commitment to making a lasting impact.
The hotel's design and operation actively engage with social issues. The artistic installations within the rooms, like the "Welcome Inn" are not just aesthetic choices; they are statements that invite guests to reflect on social issues, identity, and accessibility. This bold approach to hospitality transforms a simple holiday into an opportunity for dialogue and learning. By reinvesting its profits, ART B&B supports a wide array of local creative ventures that might otherwise struggle for funding, creating a virtuous cycle where a profitable business directly contributes to a flourishing arts and community scene.
In essence, ART B&B is a modern masterpiece of social enterprise. It masterfully balances the commercial realities of running a successful hotel with the powerful, purpose-driven mission of a community-focused arts organization. By inviting guests to be a part of this mission, it has redefined what a hotel can be—not just a place to rest, but a force for creativity, community, and meaningful social impact.
