Supporting Creativity – How Brighton Art Galleries Foster Local Artists

Brighton has long been celebrated as a vibrant hub for creativity, where art and culture are woven into the very fabric of the city. From its eclectic streets adorned with murals to its bustling independent galleries, Brighton offers an inspiring space for artists to thrive. At the heart of this artistic energy are the city’s diverse art galleries, which play a crucial role in nurturing local talent.

Institutions such as the Brighton Dome, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, and Phoenix Art Space are more than just exhibition venues—they are creative incubators that provide emerging and established artists with platforms to showcase their work, develop their craft, and connect with the wider community. Through curated exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational programmes, these galleries foster an environment where creativity flourishes and local voices are celebrated.

In this blog, we explore how Brighton’s art galleries actively support local artists, offering opportunities for growth, collaboration, and exposure. Whether it’s through limited-edition exhibitions, workshops for young people, or partnerships with local institutions, Brighton’s creative spaces continue to enrich the city’s cultural landscape and solidify its reputation as a beacon for contemporary art.

The Role of Brighton’s Art Galleries in Promoting Local Talent

Brighton’s art galleries play a vital role in nurturing and showcasing local artists, offering platforms that elevate their work and connect them with wider audiences. Institutions such as the Brighton Dome, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, and Phoenix Art Space have developed initiatives to support and promote local talent.

Brighton Dome’s Initiatives

The Brighton Dome has implemented several programmes aimed at fostering local artists:

• In-House Artists Scheme: This residency programme selects artists annually, providing them with a £5,000 grant and a year-long residency to develop new work. For example, the 2023/24 In-House Artists include spoken word artist and musician AFLO. the poet and writer and theatre-maker Erin Enfys. AFLO. the poet shared, “Being an In-House Artist at Brighton Dome has given me the space and support to push my creative boundaries.” Learn more about the scheme here.
• Anita’s Room: A dedicated creative space for artists to research, experiment, and create bold new work. Local artist Elena Italia remarked, “Thank you so much for all your support this year, it’s been really amazing to work with you and to see all of the amazing work you and the rest of the Brighton Dome team have been doing to support local artists.” Find out more about Anita’s Room here.

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Located within the Royal Pavilion Garden, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is home to innovative displays celebrating world-class art, history, and design. The museum showcases works by local artists, offering them a prestigious platform to reach wider audiences. One such example is the “See the Sea” exhibition, running until Spring 2025, which features paintings from the museum’s fine art collection, highlighting the allure of Brighton & Hove’s seafront as captured by local artists.

Phoenix Art Space

Phoenix Art Space provides emerging artists with opportunities to exhibit their work, often in limited edition formats, helping them gain recognition. The gallery offers studio spaces and curates exhibitions and events that support contemporary art practice. Local artist Jane Smith noted, “Having a studio at Phoenix has been instrumental in developing my practice and connecting with the artistic community in Brighton.”

Through these initiatives, Brighton’s art galleries not only provide exhibition opportunities but also create supportive environments where local artists can experiment, collaborate, and grow. By offering financial support, dedicated spaces, and platforms for exposure, these institutions play a crucial role in sustaining the city’s vibrant artistic community.

Community Engagement and Educational Programmes

Brighton’s art galleries are not just spaces for displaying art; they actively engage with the community through educational programmes and workshops, fostering creativity across all age groups. Institutions like Phoenix Art Space and Artspace Brighton are at the forefront of these initiatives, making art accessible and inclusive.

Phoenix Art Space

Located in the heart of Brighton, Phoenix Art Space offers a variety of learning opportunities. Their Family Fun workshops are regular events where artists lead playful sessions inspired by current exhibitions, allowing families to explore creativity together. Additionally, they run holiday art schools and special family-friendly courses, ensuring that art education is available year-round. Chloe Hoare, Community and Learning Programme Manager at Phoenix, emphasises, “Providing access to the arts is at the heart of our community engagement programme.”

Artspace Brighton

Artspace Brighton is a volunteer-led charity providing a community-based studio for individuals with mental health experiences. They focus on creating a stable and supportive environment where members can pursue various creative avenues. Helen, a studio member, shared, “I’m doing art and going to a studio; it definitely helps me to feel like I identify myself as an artist.” This sentiment highlights the therapeutic and identity-affirming role that such community art spaces play.

Collaborations with Local Institutions

Brighton’s galleries often collaborate with local schools, universities, and community groups to broaden their outreach. For instance, the Community Takeover exhibition at Phoenix Art Space, supported by the University of Brighton’s Centre for Arts and Wellbeing, celebrated local community projects and socially engaged art. Dr. Helen Johnson from the university noted, “The centre is proud to be supporting this exciting and important exhibition, which celebrates local community projects, narratives, and socially-engaged art.”

Through these programmes and collaborations, Brighton’s art galleries ensure that art remains an integral part of the community, accessible to all, and reflective of the city’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Providing Platforms for Emerging Artists

Brighton’s art scene thrives on the fresh perspectives brought by emerging artists. Recognising this, several local galleries actively create opportunities for new talent to showcase their work, fostering a dynamic and inclusive creative community.

Atelier Beside The Sea

Atelier Beside The Sea is an arts venue on Brighton Seafront that hosts open exhibitions, inviting submissions from visual artists across the UK. Their inclusive approach ensures a diverse range of artworks are displayed, providing emerging artists with valuable exposure. As noted on their website, “Both our galleries will be brimming full of art of all kinds – as much variety of subject, style and method!”

Artists Open Houses

The Artists Open Houses festival offers a unique platform for emerging artists in Brighton & Hove. The ‘ALTERED’ exhibition invites artists to share how they’ve adapted their practices, encouraging innovation and resilience. This initiative celebrates local talent and provides a supportive environment for artists to connect with the community.

Fabrica Gallery

Fabrica Gallery in Brighton runs the ‘In Between Gallery,’ a temporary exhibition space showcasing contemporary photography. Through open calls, Fabrica provides emerging photographers with the chance to present their work to a broad audience, supporting the development of new talent in the photographic arts.

By offering these platforms, Brighton’s galleries not only enrich the city’s cultural landscape but also empower emerging artists to develop their careers. The collaborative efforts between galleries and artists ensure that Brighton remains a vibrant hub for contemporary art.

Economic and Professional Development Support

Brighton’s art community thrives not only on creativity but also through robust economic and professional development support. Local organisations and galleries offer various funding opportunities and networking events to empower artists in their careers.

Funding Opportunities

One notable source of funding is the Brighton and Hove Arts Commission, a charity dedicated to enriching the arts within the community. They fund between thirty and forty creative arts projects annually, supporting various art forms including dance, theatre, visual arts, film, photography, literature, spoken word, and music. They also offer a professional development bursary for artists, aiding in their career advancement.

Additionally, the Culture ConneX Artist Small Grant Award, initiated by Brighton & Hove Pride, provides grants of up to £250 to individual artists or small community groups. These funds assist in developing creative projects for participation in local cultural events, covering costs such as costumes, instruments, artist fees, and venue hire.

Networking Events

Networking is vital for artists to connect, collaborate, and grow professionally. The Fabrica Gallery regularly hosts events like the ‘Artist Talk & Photography Networking Event,’ offering artists a platform to engage with peers and industry professionals. Similarly, the Brighton In-Person Networking events, organised by the Federation of Small Businesses, include tours of local galleries such as the Bousham Gallery and Paxton and Glew Contemporary Art Gallery, providing artists with opportunities to showcase their work and build connections.

Moreover, the Brighton Artists Network offers an online directory of Brighton-based creatives across all disciplines, information services, social events, and a peer-to-peer artist development programme. These resources foster a supportive community where artists can share ideas, inspiration, and opportunities.

Through these funding avenues and networking platforms, Brighton’s art community ensures that artists have the necessary resources and connections to flourish professionally, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Case Studies of Successful Local Artists

Brighton has long been a nurturing ground for artists, providing a vibrant community and supportive platforms that have propelled many to success. Let’s delve into the journeys of a few local talents who have made significant strides in their artistic careers.

Anna Kyriacou

Graduating with a degree in illustration from Edinburgh College of Art, Anna Kyriacou has become a notable figure in Brighton’s art scene. She has participated in ‘Show Below,’ an exhibition by a group of ten artists during the Brighton Fringe Festival. In 2014, Anna won the 2-D Category of the Visual Arts Prize and has been the recipient of an Argus Angel Award for artistic excellence. Reflecting on her journey, Anna shares, “Brighton’s dynamic art community has been instrumental in my growth as an artist.” [Source]

Jing Wang

Jing Wang, a talented artist originally from China, has found inspiration in Brighton’s landscapes and seascapes. She combines traditional Chinese brush techniques with contemporary themes, creating unique pieces that resonate with a diverse audience. Jing notes, “When I saw Brighton local artists’ works of the sea, the South Downs, I am always inspired and I started to think I would one day create paintings for those too, but with my brush and ink.” [Source]

Kate Forrester

Illustrator Kate Forrester has made significant contributions to Brighton’s visual landscape. Her Brighton-inspired banners, exploring the city’s love of the sea, music, and food, span the width of North Street and Western Road. Kate expresses, “It’s a privilege to have my work featured so prominently in the city I love.” [Source]

These artists exemplify the rich tapestry of talent in Brighton, each bringing their unique voice and vision. Their successes highlight the city’s role as a catalyst for artistic growth, offering platforms and a community that embraces creativity.

Brighton’s vibrant art scene owes much of its success to the dedicated efforts of its galleries and creative institutions. Spaces like the Brighton Dome, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, and Fabrica are more than just venues—they are nurturing environments that empower local artists to grow, experiment, and share their work with the world. Through artist residencies, community engagement programmes, open calls, and professional development support, these institutions play a pivotal role in fostering Brighton’s creative energy.

The success stories of local artists like Anna Kyriacou, Jing Wang, and Kate Forrester are testaments to the impact of this support network. By providing platforms for exposure, funding opportunities, and collaborative spaces, Brighton’s galleries help shape a thriving artistic community that enriches the city’s cultural landscape.

Get Involved and Support Local Creativity

You can contribute to this vibrant ecosystem by:

• Visiting exhibitions and gallery events to discover and support emerging artists.
• Purchasing original artwork or limited-edition pieces from local creators.
• Participating in workshops and community projects to engage with the creative process.
• Following and sharing the work of Brighton-based artists on social media to help broaden their reach.

Every visit, purchase, and shared moment of appreciation makes a difference. Brighton’s art scene thrives because of its community—artists, galleries, and supporters alike. Let’s continue celebrating and nurturing the incredible creative talent that makes Brighton such an inspiring place.