Since the formation of Woodend Arts in 1994, The Barn (formally Woodend Barn) has grown into the leading multi-arts organisation in North East Scotland. We nurture and celebrate creativity in all its forms, showcasing innovative, informative and entertaining artistic work all year round – allowing local audiences to benefit from high quality events without travelling for miles whilst also drawing audiences in from further afield.

We aim to be a world-class arts organisation, pushing the boundaries of all art forms while celebrating our environment, and working with our communities, volunteers and artists to be one of the leaders in arts development in Scotland. We serve our communities and audiences by delivering an outstanding programme of arts events and workshops. We place creative learning at the heart of our work and we provide a cultural heart in Aberdeenshire.

We believe that the arts can transform individuals and communities. We want to empower people through the arts – to learn and grow, to be challenged, to have life-changing experiences. Our education and outreach work is therefore as important to us as our events programme.

The Barn is run by Woodend Arts Limited, a not for profit company, limited by Guarantee, and a Scottish registered charity.

Woodend Arts operates as a network with high levels of voluntary input and collaborative decision-making. Engagement with our communities is intrinsic to the way we work. You can find out more in the Our Team section.

Our outreach programme delivers workshops and events in locations across Deeside, such as Tarland and Braemar; bringing small communities closer to high quality art experiences. Find out more in our Beyond the Barn section.

The Barn is also home to Buchanans Bistro, sound and North East Arts Touring (NEAT) .

VENUE HIRE

The Barn is uniquely positioned to offer something quite different when it comes to venue hire options. The atmosphere within The Barn is enthused with energy and creativity which is further enhanced from the natural environmental setting of the stunning rolling hills and scenery of the Aberdeenshire countryside.

We work a little differently at The Barn as we have a range of diverse venue hire options and packages, all set in a perfect location for business and private alike.

We invite and welcome you to come and visit The Barn and feel its ambiance first hand. Whether your interest and enquiry is for holding formal/informal dinners, product launches, charity fundraisers, team parties, business seminars or wedding parties; please allow us to address your venue needs . Being an Arts Venue, we have a range of creative services we can offer in tailor made packages to enlighten and uplift your event opportunities, providing something different through creative innovation. Within the Artistic team at The Barn we have a range of artistic talent who would be happy to discuss a design package to suit your needs.

Within our venue facilities we play host to amateur and professional theatre, as well as meetings, seminars, presentations, team building workshops and training facilities, alongside a unique corporate entertainment area embracing an art gallery and additional facilities.

Facilities

In addition to the venue hire fee, we are able to offer a range of additional facilities which can be added to your hire package, some charged out on an hourly basis, with minimum charge rate:

PA/sound system
Stage lighting
Technician services
Large Projector* (12ft screen) – including technician
Boston Steinway Grand Piano
Kitchen facilities* 

*Refundable deposits will apply for these items

Catering Services

The Barn has a strong working relationship with Buchanans Bistro, situated at The Barn, and Buchanans deliver catering and service to a number of catered events every year. .
Should you wish to use an alternative caterer, on-site kitchen facilities are available within a fee rate, dependent on what is required. However, all alcohol requirements fall within the licence held by The Barn, therefore must be managed by ourselves.

Within The Barn, the venue hire space available is as follows:

Theatre / Large hall with staging
Bar
The Gallery

Rate Card

Please see the individual rate card per venue hire space for the price range and venue hire specific detail. Rates are provided without knowledge or detail of any individual request, therefore a sliding scale of costs are profiled and remain subject to specific quotation details.

Quotations

All requests for quotations are dealt with uniquely to the enquiry received. Our experience and our facilities dictate no one request is the same as any other, and we respect this for all our potential customers. We endeavour to do our utmost to accommodate enquiries, but will be very clear and upfront if there may be any aspect of service or provision that we are not able to provide.