The Hub was established as a centre for craft, design and making in October 2003.

Home to the largest gallery space in the UK for the exhibition of craft and design, in its first five years the Hub acquired a world-class reputation within the national museum and gallery sector as a unique and ambitious gallery that exhibits the most innovative, challenging, accomplished and cutting-edge artists practicing within the craft and design arena today.

Recognised as being ‘at the top of its game’ by Arts Council England, the Hub re-branded as The National Centre for Craft & Design in 2011.

In 2018, the Centre merged with countywide arts development agency artsNK, growing its creative and cultural portfolio to include dance & performance, festivals & community art projects.

In May 2020, a major £1.2m capital refurbishment of the Centre created new multi-use studio space, a dedicated craft workshop, indoor and outdoor CafeBar, and new ground floor gallery space, alongside the Centre’s celebrated main gallery and shop.

The Centre re-opened as the Hub, a national centre for craft & design in spring 2021 and has since transformed its local and national identity and purpose to become a space that puts culture, creativity & community at its heart.