Wonder Arts

At Wonder Arts we believe that magical artistic experiences have the power to change people’s lives. Our mission is to bring artistic experiences to children, young people and families, who rarely have the opportunity to engage with the arts, to create profound and positive life changing impacts. Wonder Arts (previously Citadel Arts Centre) is a children and families organisation operating exclusively in non-traditional spaces in the St Helens public realm. We provide high quality arts experiences for children and family audiences who would not otherwise engage with arts venues. We provide artistic experiences that are different to the norm, creating happiness and enjoyment for the whole family, contributing to people’s well-being and enhancing the life of local communities, children, young people and families. Wonder Arts is a building free organisation. We work exclusively in the public realm, in communities and in outreach settings delivering arts activities for children and families. We provide a model of engagement which takes arts out into local communities, engaging people in spaces where they feel safe, have ownership and can access easily. We engage participants and audiences in their own communities to improve mental health and wellbeing, build skills, improve life chances and create contented, connected communities. Proving engaging with the arts in community spaces can make a positive impact on people’s lives.