Arts in Calderdale reflect the place - offbeat and independent, passionate that the North shines on the map.  The Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse unveils an intimate insight into Victorian tastes and values whilst Bankfield Museum in Halifax displays a textile collection of international importance adding a bold focus on contemporary crafts.

From the late Ted Hughes, poet laureate and Mytholmroyd’s famous son; to Dean Clough Halifax, acclaimed jazz venue, home to one of the UK's most active private galleries and base for Northern Broadsides who deliver “forthright theatre” with Yorkshire attitude - the arts are a huge part of the culture and community of Calderdale.  A grassroots tradition of music – choral, orchestral, brass is strong here – as is the pub music circuit. The Independent rates Hebden Bridge Trades Club “one of the country’s top venues” for jazz, blues and world music, and don’t miss the multi-award winning Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, Elland Silver Band or Halifax Choral Society. Hebden Bridge Arts Festival and the Pennine Spring Music Festival are hot spots in the cultural year, along with an annual Ted Hughes Festival and performances by the renowned Halifax Choral Society For those interested in purchasing unique gifts and creations, visit the Piece Hall in Halifax, including Gina B Glass, The Friendly Dragon and Black Market Minerals, or take a trip to Hebden Bridge, the home great little shops, including the Heart Gallery and Calder Gallery, both boasting superb artistic gifts.