It was established in January 2008, initially as a studio complex for artists.

[1] It has grown to include eight public galleries, thirty artist studios and a café.

Based in the Cathedral Quarter, the organisation oversaw the redevelopment of the grade II listed Georgian terrace buildings previously used as lawyers offices.

As a result, a large proportion of exhibitors reside in the South Yorkshire region.

In February 2010, Bank Street Arts became a registered Charity in England and Wales focused on regeneration of the city through artistic means.