Celebrating, supporting and promoting Sussex Artists

Our goal is simple. We celebrate, support and promote contemporary Sussex artists and provide opportunities for them to show their work.

Our annual exhibition - The Sussex - is probably the largest showcase of art from living Sussex artists in the world. It attracts thousands of visitors and is open to artists at any stage of their career, including amateurs.

We also provide workshops and talks called the Business of Art that support artists and help them be more commercially successful.

The Sussex 2024

Sussex has a rich creative heritage. Be part of it!

ART EXHIBITION

The Sussex is now in its third year after the phenomenal successes in 2022 and 2023 at the i360 Brighton which saw nearly 15,000 visitors to our free exhibition.

2024 Art Exhibition

2024 sees us move to a new venue and a larger exhibition space along the Sussex coast. Delivering our major annual open call across the county is a key part of our strategy.

LOCATION

This October we have headed to Newhaven and The Marine Workshops in Railway Quay. The building was constructed in 1882 to house several engineering workshops and was used to repair train and ship engines.

Nowadays it houses Lewes District Council, and East Sussex College which deliver Marine courses and Creative Media Production courses at Levels 2 and 3.

We will be in residence on the top floor with this year’s exhibition, until 27th October.

OPEN CALL

We invited artists linked to Sussex to submit work in any media for consideration by our judges to be included in this year’s major exhibition. THE SUSSEX 2024

Artists can be full-time, part-time, amateur, or professional but must either have been born in Sussex, educated here, or currently live/work in the county.

The open call closed on 31st August 2024.

THEME

The theme for THE SUSSEX 2024 is Duality.

Duality is a subjective way of looking at balance and the lack thereof existing in dualities.

Think of love and hate, peace and violence, life and death, black and white, courageousness and complicity, visibility and the invisible.

Our creative director Jo explains why she chose the theme, and how it can be interpreted and used to inspire the entries HERE

COMMUNITY

This year we are planning several community events projects and creative opportunities that will surround the exhibition. The Business of Art will move to Newhaven for the month and we are in talks about another exciting event that we’d like to bring to Newhaven.

JUDGES

Each year we have a panel of independent and expert judges who have the unenviable task of choosing which Sussex local artists will feature, and who wins the art prizes..

This year they will have to choose from over 1,000 high-quality art submissions.

This year’s judges are confirmed as:

Walter Bailey - globally renowned sculptor

Stephanie Fuller - CEO of Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft

Maev Kennedy - broadcast and print arts and heritage correspondent and journalist.

A NEW VENUE FOR 2024

OPEN CALL
THE SUSSEX 2024 is now OPEN for submissions.
This years theme is DUALITY. We welcome applications using all mediums made by Sussex artists at any stage of thier career. The hang is chosen by a selection panel of leading experts that judge the entries on merit alone.
The Sussex 2024 isean art exhibition that is made up entirely of Sussex artists. The criteria for entry is that artists must have either:
- Been educated in Sussex
- Currently, live or work in Sussex
- Been born in Sussex
ENTER HERE
INSPIRATION

The rolling Downs and breathtaking coastline have inspired artists for centuries, including some of the most celebrated artists that ever lived. Picasso, Miró, Man Ray, Moore, Constable, Turner, Burra, Grant, Bell, Beardsley, Ravilious, Nash, and Grayson Perry all have links with Sussex
Sussex continues to provide inspiration and a home to some amazing emerging talent, and we wanted to create a new addition to the art calendar that specifically showcases the amazing talent the county has.
The theme of DUALITY allows for broad interpriation and we hope to inspire you. Jo has written a blog post further exploring the subject HERE.
NEWHAVEN

This years exhibition will be housed at The Marine Workshops in Newhaven. Taking residence in the top floor of the workshops give us stunning panoramic views across both the land and sea.
We are incredibly passionate about supporting Newhaven, and keen to assit in maintaining the momentum that Newhaven Enterprise Zone has delivered to date.
Newhaven’s 2023 programme of arts events helped attract more than 120,000 visitors to the town.
There are plans for several satelitte events and workshops to be held around the durations of the exhibition.

About us

Our Instagram

Well worth a visit, Charlie & Matt are hosting super stylish happenings and events over at @southovergallery Limited spaces so secure your space on the guest list before hang by emailing: hello@southovergallery.com Posted @withregram • @southovergallery Private View ✨ Join us on Saturday December 7th for an exciting curation of multi disciplinary art from a trio of talents! @denver_sorrell_art | @pippaburleysculptor | @amatabenedict We love each of these artists individually, but together their works hum with myth, magic and intrigue. We will have a carefully curated table of treasures from The Southover Gallery, ideal for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifting. You’ll be able to enjoy sparkling wine from our friends at @arteliumwine and festive delicacies from @loam.kitchen .

What a day! Thank you to everyone that came along and supported our SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR over at @creativenewhaven Marine Workshops It’s always an absolute joy to see work going home with collectors 😘🙏🏻 Huge thanks as ever to the incredible @mamoosh_bakery for keeping us all nourished and refreshed But most importantly thank you to the incredibly talented makers and artists that showed with us today @amymcmillanart @chrismurphyceramics @sarahruthvenart @grahammatthewsceramics @orianajewellery @charlie_todman_ceramics @meg.clarke.makes @adpceramics @c_l_a_y_d_a_y @_cellan_ @jessfrancisceramics @shallowpottery @yveslater @its0nlymud @eastbournestudiopottery @lilitothstudio We are back in Newhaven on the 7th December for our Newhaven Christmas Market 10am - 4pm #ceramics #ceramicfair #sussexcontemporary #sussexart #sussex #thesussex #creativenewhaven #newhaven #mamoosh

Introducing @_cellan_ superstar potter as seen on @potterythrow with the ever-brilliant and super lovely @richmillerpots @keithbrymerjones (love you lots like jelly tots) Cellan was introduced to clay about 5 years ago when he began to teach himself to throw. Recently graduating from the 3D Design and Craft course at Brighton University, his work mainly focuses on joining wood and ceramics in furniture. He is continuously improving his ceramic skills, with a main interest in throwing, particularly with larger pieces Cellan appeared as a contestant on the 2022 Great Pottery Throwdown Cellan's work joins us this Saturday 16th November SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @charlie_todman_ceramics Charlie left the teaching profession in December 2021 and now enjoys spending time in her garden studio developing her practice and exploring the endless possibilities afforded by clay and different methods of firing. She has not left education behind completely, as she still works with young people as a private Maths Tutor when she is not in the studio. In June 2022 Charlie made the decision to start selling some of her work and has taken part in a number of different events including the Bridge Cottage Markets (Uckfield), South East Open Studios, Artwave, Art in Ditchling, and an exhibition as a guest artist at Chalk Gallery in Lewes. Charlie first sowed with us in 2022 and it has been an absolute pleasure watching her develop her emerging practice, one of the hardest-working makers out there, she's one to watch! Charlie joins us this Saturday 16th November SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @orianajewellery An independent jewellery maker. She lives in Lewes and works from a studio in a beautiful sunny spot with a view of the river Ouse. She’s been making jewellery since 2001, after studying design at Staffordshire University, her relationship with her craft is based strongly on emotion and instinct. Some years ago Oriana suffered a loss that she still can’t put into words. But found she could pick up my tools and hammer those emotions into the fabric of a piece of jewellery and her most recent porcelain jewellery. Oriana makes utterly unique pieces; that carry a whole lifetime of memories. The process turned her sadness into strength, and she wears that strength every day. Jo's a huge supporter and wearer of Oriana's authentic and unique creations, her new porcelain jewellery is something to be treasured! Oriana joins us this Saturday 16th November SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall .

Introducing @grahammatthewsceramics Born in Yorkshire with a degree in Design Crafts Ceramics from Cumbria College of Art & Design Graham brings an extensive wealth of experience with handling clay and glazes. His work has an abstract approach to vessels and surface texture that is tantamount to many years spent as an instructor technician at both ECAT and Sussex Downs College, Eastbourne site. Graham spends his time nowadays working on The Clay. Lili joins us this Saturday 16th November at our SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @sarahruthvenart Sarah Ruthven is a painter and ceramicist working predominantly in oils and en plein air. Her artistic career has taken her from a BA Fine Art at Kingston University to a Masters with Distinction in European Fine Art at Winchester School of Art and Barcelona. Sarah lives and works in East Sussex with her daughters. Since graduating from Winchester School of Arts Studios in Barcelona with an MA in 1996, Sarah has exhibited her work nationally and internationally in group and solo exhibitions. Her work is held in a number of private collections. Come see Sarah and all the other amazing makers this Saturday 16th November SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

iNTRODUCING @its0nlymud Nestled in the heart of sunny Sussex, I specialise in small-batch pottery that blends functionality with a contemporary edge. Whether it’s a cozy mug for your morning coffee, something spiky to brighten up your space, or unique serving dishes that will wow your guests, there is something for everyone. Every piece begins with a vision. Using quality materials and traditional techniques, I throw, glaze, and fire each item with precision and passion. My process is all about embracing the beauty and balance of perfection and imperfection Come see Danni and all the other amazing makers this Saturday 16th November SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @eastbournestudiopottery The studio has taken part in several highly respected design fairs where students and members have had the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work including the Towner Ceramic Fair and Charleston Designer Maker Fair. We celebrate the work made in our community program with exhibitions, including the very well-received 'A Tree Full of birds' at the Birley Centre and Let's Create Together: an exhibition of 500+ plates at Towner Eastbourne. The Mark of the Maker and the Maker's Mark took over the basement space at Volt Gallery turning it into an immersive, interactive installation that shone a light on the working processes of an unknown studio potter. Come see works from the studio and all the other amazing makers this Saturday 16th November SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @amymcmillanart Amy says of her practice: My figurative practice explores liminality, performativity, and the discomfort surrounding embodiment and sexuality, particularly during adolescence. Each character is disguised in masquerade and costume, their gender ambiguous, shown to be free, lawless, and without boundaries. Be-WILD-ered. They quite literally shake, both as an expression of trauma and as a way to find relief. Influenced by ancestry, contemporary dance, and folk ritual, I sculpt and paint from a collected archive of Ancient Greek, Roman, and Renaissance sculpture, interwoven with invented myth and folk-lore, bringing together heterogeneous elements in order to find an in-between space. Regarding animal hybrids and archetypal imagery, The Shakers mirror the transformational nature of fired ceramic, ink, and pigment. Using a loose touch, the mediums themselves suggest narratives of metamorphoses and restoration. Come see Amy and all the other amazing makers this Saturday 16th November SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

iNTRODUCING @shallowpottery Susie says of her practice: I have been hand-building with clay for a long time but moved away from the medium to begin my Graphic Art and Design degree. After this, I trained as an art teacher, and I went back to working with clay when I began teaching in a secondary school. Teaching art took up so much of my time that I forgot to be creative for myself, so I set myself the challenge of learning to throw on the wheel. After a very steep learning curve, which anyone who has ever tried to center a piece of clay on a wheel will know, many mistakes, and lots of clay-ey mess, I found my love of the material again. Come see Susie and all the other amazing makers this Saturday 16th November for our SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @chrismurphyceramics Chris explores texture and space with his striking vessels and ceramic decorations. If you like succulent containers then Chris is a must-see for you this Saturday. Come see Chris and all the other amazing makers this Saturday 16th November for our SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @lilitothstudio CATS WHIMSICAL PRINTS AND JOYFUL COLOUR. LILI SEES THE JOY IN LIFE AND BRINGS IT INTO YOURS WITH HER CAREFULLY MADE CERAMIC OBJECTS. IDEAL GIFTING for your loved ones and yourself! Lili joins us this Saturday 16th November for our SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS Come and meet Lili and see her colourful work in person #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @meg.clarke.makes Megan makes lyrical collections that celebrate and allow you to curate your home's small, beautiful things... Tiny things shelves Tiny vases Mossy sticks Flecked vases Dried flowers Beautifully intuitive ceramics, allow you to embrace and celebrate objects and the textures within clay bodies. Magan Joins us this Saturday 16th November for our SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS Come and meet Megan and marvel at her attention to detail and celebration of small things. #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @adpceramics Speaking of his work Alan says: My inspiration comes from oriental arts and craftsmanship. My work is quite precise with a high attention to detail. I use 2 types of clay body, Earthstone original and Vulcan black. This gives me the opportunity to use a wide range of glazes and glaze effects. I work mainly with slab which allows me to achieve the detailed effect I am looking for. My range of work uses many geometric shapes and in several styles. I look for meaning in much of my work and going forward, I am working with symbols and organic shapes. Alan joins us this Saturday 16th November for our SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS Come and meet Alan and see his striking work in person #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @c_l_a_y_d_a_y Otherwise known as Lisa Jones Born in Yorkshire, Lisa gained a BA in Fine Art in London before establishing a studio in East Sussex and achieving an MA in Ceramics. As a ceramic artist, Lisa predominantly hand-builds, using matte colour and texture to create playful forms. Lisa finds herself both distracted and inspired by museum collections and often emulates the curatorial methodology of the institution by placing the objects together in inter-relational ceramic huddles. Her practice within ceramic sculpture and small-scale installations is concerned with personal artifacts, objects, and their stories. Lisa Joins us this Saturday 16th November for our SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 10am - 4pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN & BUS STATIONS Come and meet Lisa and see her astonishing vessels in person #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

Introducing @yveslater Illustrator, Ceramicist & Designer Yve Slater studied at the Brighton Art Foundation and then completed a degree in Illustration at the Manchester School of Art. She continued to develop and explore drawing on location. Influenced by colour and shape, as well as David Hockney’s photographic collages, she began creating large-scale drawings from observation on location, such as supermarkets, car meets, garages, and journeys on public transport. Come and meet Yve this Saturday 16th November 2024 10am - 4pm Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 OER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO BUS & TRAIN STATION #sussexart #sussexartists #sussexcontemporary #newhaven #ceramics #sussexceramicsfair

THE SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 2024 16th November 2024 10 am - 4 pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 0ER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN AND BUS STATIONS Come along and meet some of the best contemporary makers and artists using ceramics within their practice. Browse a range of beautiful stalls presented by the ceramicists themselves @mamoosh_bakery is open till 4pm with all the most excellent food and drinks in their onsite deli so why not make a day of it in Newhaven Here's an insight into some of the creativity that you can come and see on the day #sussexcontemporary #thesussexceramicsfair #newhaven #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

THE SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 2024 16th November 2024 10 am - 4 pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 0ER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN AND BUS STATIONS Come along and meet some of the best contemporary makers and artists using ceramics within their practice. Browse a range of beautiful stalls presented by the ceramicists themselves. @mamoosh_bakery is open till 4pm with all the most excellent food and drinks in their onsite deli so why not make a day of it in Newhaven Here's some of the amazing creations that you can see on the day #sussexcontemporary #thesussexceramicsfair #newhaven #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

THE SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR 2024 16th November 2024 10 am - 4 pm The Atrium, Marine Workshops, Newhaven, BN9 0ER FREE ENTRY - FREE PARKING - NEXT TO TRAIN AND BUS STATIONS Come along and meet some of the best contemporary makers and artists using ceramics within their practice. Browse a range of beautiful stalls presented by the ceramicists themselves. @mamoosh_bakery is open till 4pm with all the most excellent food and drinks in their onsite deli so why not make a day of it in Newhaven Here's the first snippets of some of the wares that you can see on the day #sussexcontemporary #thesussexceramicsfair #newhaven #ceramicsfair #creativenewhaven #ceramic #ceramics #pottery #sussexart #creativelife #britishpottery #studiopottery #stoneware #earthenware #porcelin #shopsmall

THE SUSSEX

The Sussex Contemporary is an annual exhibition that is made up entirely of Sussex artists and the criteria for entry is that artists must have either:

Been born in Sussex
Been educated in Sussex
Currently, live or work in Sussex

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to choose who wins The People’s Choice Prize 2023 worth £750 and sponsored by Whitespace.

Celebrating, supporting and promoting Sussex Artists

The Sussex 2024

ART EXHIBITION

LOCATION

OPEN CALL

THEME

COMMUNITY

JUDGES

OPEN CALL

INSPIRATION

NEWHAVEN

Our Instagram

THE SUSSEX