About Us

St. John’s ARC is a community Arts and Recreation Centre set in a secluded corner of Old Harlow. The Centre is run by St John’s Arts and Recreation Association (ARA), which is a registered charity that is responsible for raising all the funding for the upkeep of the building.

The ARA offers a varied programme of activities and events for all ages, which includes concerts, exhibitions and workshops. It also hires out the ARC to many local groups for their education, recreation, rehearsal and performing arts activities. The ARC is the home of Harlow Chorus, who initiated the conversion of the redundant church into a community centre and who value the fine acoustic of the Main Hall. The ARC is available for private hire / children’s parties at weekends.

The ARC is a member of the Harlow  Cultural Venues Forum. Other members include Parndon Mill, The Gibberd Garden, Gibberd Gallery and The Victoria Hall Theatre.