Our Story
The journey began in 2022 when Maddie Webb and Cassie Leedham transformed an empty retail unit in Leamington Spa into the LSA Art Room, a temporary community gallery on behalf of Leamington Studio Artists.
With little more than paintbrushes, second-hand furniture, and a shared belief in the value of creativity, they turned an empty shop into a thriving creative hub. Over the following months, the Art Room became a place where artists exhibited their work, local people discovered contemporary art, friendships were formed, and creative confidence flourished.
More importantly, it revealed a need. They saw talented artists struggling to find affordable studios and exhibition opportunities. They met people who had always wanted to make art but lacked the confidence to walk through the door of a traditional gallery. They recognised that barriers such as cost, accessibility, and perceptions of who art is “for” continued to prevent many people from taking part.
The success of the Art Room proved that a different model was possible; one built on generosity, collaboration, and community. Lighthaus Arts CIC was founded in 2023 to build on that vision. Following four years of planning, fundraising, research, partnership working, and determination, that ambition became reality with the opening of Stoneleigh Arms Arts Space in December 2025; a permanent community arts space in South Leamington.
Today, Stoneleigh Arms Arts Space is home to exhibition galleries, artist studios, ceramics facilities, creative workspaces, workshops, events, education programmes and year-round community programmes. It is a place where professional artists, emerging creatives, families, schools, community groups, and first-time visitors come together through creativity.
In May 2026, Katy Lea and Sarah Methuen joined Maddie as Directors, bringing additional expertise in arts management, artist development, operations, education, and community engagement. Together they continue to shape the future of Lighthaus Arts while remaining true to its founding vision.