ARC Salon

With ARC Salon, we reinterpret the long tradition of the country house Drawing Room — once a place for conversation, creativity, and exchange — into a living cultural programme across the ARC houses.

Curated by Anna Woodward, the Salon brings together artists, ceramicists, musicians, chefs, and thinkers in exhibitions and events that step beyond the traditional white-cube gallery and into ARC’s character-rich spaces. Twice a year, each ARC transforms with new ideas — from exhibitions and residencies to dinners, performances, and talks — all curated for our guests’ enjoyment and periodically opened to the public.
Since 2021, ARC Salon has collaborated with over 50 early-career and established creatives, presenting work shaped by both their practices and the histories of our locations — from a textiles exhibition at ARC Painswick exploring the region’s wool trade, to experimental installations, communal suppers, and live performances. Alongside each project, ARC hosts weekends where participants stay at the house, share meals, and engage in dialogue with collectors, guests, and supporters — transforming exhibitions into gatherings that nurture community, collaboration, and exchange.
ARC Salon is part of a wider ecosystem of cultural support. In 2022, Woodward co-founded Good Eye Projects (GEP), a London-based residency that has supported over 60 emerging artists and partnered with Christie’s, Collective Ending HQ, and Saatchi Gallery. In 2025, ARC and GEP formalised their collaboration, launching a partnership that bridges rural and urban contexts for contemporary culture. Works by GEP alumni are now exhibited across ARC properties, introducing their practices to new audiences in distinctive, intimate settings.
Together, ARC Salon and GEP create a holistic platform — not only exhibiting artwork, but also investing in the development, well-being, and visibility of emerging voices across the arts. This will culminate in new initiatives such as the ARC Suffolk Art Prize, launching in 2026, furthering the support and celebration of creativity in all its forms.
While championing brilliant cultural practitioners, we hope the Salon continues a long history of ideas, passion, and joy within the ARC houses. For details on works, collaborations, or sales, please contact curator Anna Woodward.