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.

  • Austen Gallery 2023
  • Admiring the art
  • Volks Gallery 2023
  • Sussex Contemporary Exhibition 2023 visitors
  • Our Sponsors
  • Free art exhibition
  • Enjoying the art
  • Ben Wade - Winner of The Preston Insurance Brokers Prize 2023
  • Thomas Treherne - Winner of The Creative Pod Prize 2023
  • Jonathan Lamb- Winner of The Sussex Contemporary Photography Prize 2023

A NEW VENUE FOR 2024

  • Exhibition catalogue

    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

  • Jamie Windust Digital Creator by Lucinda Wait

    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

    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
The Marine Workshops exterior
Top Floor
Top Floor empty
Entrance to top floor
back of space view

Our Instagram

And that’s a wrap 🙏🏻 THE SUSSEX 2024 Thank you to everyone that entered, was selected, the judges, sponsors, prize partners, collaborators, suppliers, visitors, makers, collectors and supporters. It takes an immense amount of people to mo
And that’s a wrap 🙏🏻 THE SUSSEX 2024 Thank you to everyone that entered, was selected, the judges, sponsors, prize partners, collaborators, suppliers, visitors, makers, collectors and supporters. It takes an immense amount of people to mobilise an exhibition like this and we appreciate each and every one of you 😘🫶 Off for a team lunch, and then some well earned time off 😬 We will be back soon with some very exciting news and a brand spanking new democratic open call… Love you lots like jelly tots, Jo & Jason #sussex #sussexcontemporary #thesussex #newhaven #creativenewhaven #sussexarts #sussexartists #artists
Congratulations to @the_plastic_coast Sammie Aplin for winning this year’s People’s Choice Prize which is sponsored by @whitespacebtn. Her work ‘Why is the sea blue? The pretty ugly truth.’ captured 7.9% of the votes from arou
Congratulations to @the_plastic_coast Sammie Aplin for winning this year’s People’s Choice Prize which is sponsored by @whitespacebtn. Her work ‘Why is the sea blue? The pretty ugly truth.’ captured 7.9% of the votes from around 1500 visitors to the exhibition this year. #sussexart #sussexartist #sussexcontemporary
THE PEOPLES CHOICE PRIZE 2024 Sponsored by @whitespacebtn Closes at 5pm today 🙌🏼 Get your votes in people we will be awarding the amazing cash prize of £750 a bottle of @arteliumwine 🍾 and a trophy 🏆 to the artwork with the most votes fr
THE PEOPLES CHOICE PRIZE 2024 Sponsored by @whitespacebtn Closes at 5pm today 🙌🏼 Get your votes in people we will be awarding the amazing cash prize of £750 a bottle of @arteliumwine 🍾 and a trophy 🏆 to the artwork with the most votes from you the people 🙏🏻🫶 Link in stories #artprize #peopleschoice #thesussex #thesussex2024 #celebrate #nurture #support #sussexcontemporary #sussexarts
Nice and busy in the gallery today #sussexcontemporary #sussexart #sussexartists #newhaven
This year's Business of Art Prize goes to @gracedunford for her work 'Geometric Study' #sussescontemporary #sussecart #sussexartist #newhaven
This year's Business of Art Prize goes to @gracedunford for her work 'Geometric Study' #sussescontemporary #sussecart #sussexartist #newhaven
Winner of this year's ROSA Magazine Prize is alexart63 with his work 'The Second Supper (after Leonardo)' #sussexcontemporary #sussexart #sussexartist #newhaven @therosamag
Winner of this year's ROSA Magazine Prize is alexart63 with his work 'The Second Supper (after Leonardo)' #sussexcontemporary #sussexart #sussexartist #newhaven @therosamag
Last day is this Sunday 27th Oct #sussexart #sussexcontemporary #newhaven #artexhibition #freeexhibition #sussex
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND this course by the genius that is @culturalcapitalarts Kate is an incredible observer, curator and art journalist and author. Posted @withregram • @culturalcapitalarts ~ ONLINE WORKSHOP ~ Your artist statement is an essent
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND this course by the genius that is @culturalcapitalarts Kate is an incredible observer, curator and art journalist and author. Posted @withregram • @culturalcapitalarts ~ ONLINE WORKSHOP ~ Your artist statement is an essential part of being a professional artist. Open calls, funding applications, gallery representatives all ask for them, and they’re the first thing that potential buyers look for to get more of an insight into your work. But, what do you need to include? How long should it be? How on earth do you put into words what your work is about? Writing about yourself is a hard and onerous task (even I struggle and I’m a writer!), so I have put together a short, virtual workshop that will break down the artist statement into manageable chunks. This 1.5 hour (ish) virtual workshop, will dissect why your artist statement is important, exercises to help you connect to your inspirations, and the three must haves for a successful statement, ensuring you leave the session with a clear idea (and hopefully a start) on how to tackle it without fear. The session will include: Break downs of example artist statements Tips on length and content Practical exercises to help you connect your visual language to your core inspirations VENUE: Online via zoom (link sent to you the day before our session) DATE: (Multiple) 26th October, 5th November, 25th November TIME: 10 - 11.30 am To book, visit my link in bio.
Winner of this year's Seawhite Prize is @rehanarose_art with her work Brighton Station. Rehana has three pieces in the exhibition , and all are available to view until 27th October. #artprize #sussexartist #sussexart #sussexcontemporary @seawhiteofbr
Winner of this year's Seawhite Prize is @rehanarose_art with her work Brighton Station. Rehana has three pieces in the exhibition , and all are available to view until 27th October. #artprize #sussexartist #sussexart #sussexcontemporary @seawhiteofbrighton
The winner of this year's photography prize is @miloosborn for his work entitled Innate Child. #sussexartist #sussexart #sussexcontemporary #photography
The winner of this year's photography prize is @miloosborn for his work entitled Innate Child. #sussexartist #sussexart #sussexcontemporary #photography
How to find us. By car - follow signs for the ferry terminal and turn right when you get there into the carpark (rough ground). By bus - route 12 Coaster buses stop at the Railway Station Interchange which is a 3 minute walk. By train - Newhaven T
How to find us. By car - follow signs for the ferry terminal and turn right when you get there into the carpark (rough ground). By bus - route 12 Coaster buses stop at the Railway Station Interchange which is a 3 minute walk. By train - Newhaven Town station is 3 minute walk Please note that the entrance is on the river side of the building. OPENING HOURS Mon/Tues/Weds - CLOSED Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun - 11am-5pm
Free exhibition. 170 artworks. Open 11am-5pm Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun until 27th October. #sussexcontemporary #sussexart #sussexartists #newhaven #artexhibition
Got in this morning to see the lovely lads putting up our window sign for THE SUSSEX 2024 Not long… #thesussex2024 #thesussex #creativenewhaven #artspace #newhaven #sussexart #sussexcontemporary
Day 2 of hang ✔️ Lots and lots to do but it’s starting to take shape, the hang is incredible, we can’t wait to welcome you in 🙏🏻😘 #duality #thesussex2024 #thesussex #sussexcontemporary #exhibition #contemporaryart #livingartists #sus
Day 2 of hang ✔️ Lots and lots to do but it’s starting to take shape, the hang is incredible, we can’t wait to welcome you in 🙏🏻😘 #duality #thesussex2024 #thesussex #sussexcontemporary #exhibition #contemporaryart #livingartists #sussex #sussexart
Let’s go THE SUSSEX 2024 #art #contemporaryart #sussexart #sussexartist #thesussex #thesussex2024 #sussexcontemporaryart #sussexcontemporary
Let’s go THE SUSSEX 2024 #art #contemporaryart #sussexart #sussexartist #thesussex #thesussex2024 #sussexcontemporaryart #sussexcontemporary
CALLING SUSSEX-LINKED CERAMICISTS We have a few spaces left at our upcoming SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR on the 16th of November 2024 10am - 4pm. No fee to apply, just fill in our Google form, head on over to our website, click on artist opportunities, and
CALLING SUSSEX-LINKED CERAMICISTS We have a few spaces left at our upcoming SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR on the 16th of November 2024 10am - 4pm. No fee to apply, just fill in our Google form, head on over to our website, click on artist opportunities, and click on SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR. https://forms.gle/ZwPqyr2Gkqhq53CU7 VENUE: the atrium, marine workshops, Newhaven DATE: 16th November 2024 TIME: set up from 8am, open to public 10am - 4pm COST: £75 per ceramacist We provide the tables. chairs, electricity, and space. Jo will be selecting the final lineup on the 16th of October #artistopportunity #sussexceramicsfair #pottery #potteryfans #ceramics #sussex #creativeopportunity #thesussex #sussexcontemporary #support #promote #nurture #opencall
Last night listening to @alanmeasles sing and seeing two beautiful exhibitions at @charlestontrust Well worth a visit 🙏🏻🙌🏼 #charleston #sussexcontemporary #graysonperry #privateview #lewes #Sussex #sussexarts
And we are open! Come down to the Marine Workshops today we are here until 4pm 🕓 today with the very lovely and talented bunch that is @newhavenartclub for @artwavefestival @monjoligoods @doollaly @twanglovenature @orianajewellery @onnekestudio @torz_dallison @verity.rebecca.jewellery @pinkijones @lucinda_button_strikes @debmwjohn @kayjford0 @sarah.lux @samanthastas @joannamylesartist @hospitable_environment are upstairs with THE PEOPLES PLAN and they have a SOUP & SOCIAL at 2pm 🥣 @mamoosh_bakery are open till 3pm with the best pittas in the world and a gorgeous deli #artwave #artwavefestival #artwave2024 #newhaven #mamoosh #hospitableenvironment #creativenewhaven #newhavenartclub #newhavenartwavefair
And that’s a wrap 🙏🏻 THE SUSSEX 2024 Thank you to everyone that entered, was selected, the judges, sponsors, prize partners, collaborators, suppliers, visitors, makers, collectors and supporters. It takes an immense amount of people to mo Congratulations to @the_plastic_coast Sammie Aplin for winning this year’s People’s Choice Prize which is sponsored by @whitespacebtn. Her work ‘Why is the sea blue? The pretty ugly truth.’ captured 7.9% of the votes from arou THE PEOPLES CHOICE PRIZE 2024 Sponsored by @whitespacebtn Closes at 5pm today 🙌🏼 Get your votes in people we will be awarding the amazing cash prize of £750 a bottle of @arteliumwine 🍾 and a trophy 🏆 to the artwork with the most votes fr
Nice and busy in the gallery today #sussexcontemporary #sussexart #sussexartists #newhaven
This year's Business of Art Prize goes to @gracedunford for her work 'Geometric Study' #sussescontemporary #sussecart #sussexartist #newhaven Winner of this year's ROSA Magazine Prize is alexart63 with his work 'The Second Supper (after Leonardo)' #sussexcontemporary #sussexart #sussexartist #newhaven @therosamag
Last day is this Sunday 27th Oct #sussexart #sussexcontemporary #newhaven #artexhibition #freeexhibition #sussex
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND this course by the genius that is @culturalcapitalarts Kate is an incredible observer, curator and art journalist and author. Posted @withregram • @culturalcapitalarts ~ ONLINE WORKSHOP ~ Your artist statement is an essent Winner of this year's Seawhite Prize is @rehanarose_art with her work Brighton Station. Rehana has three pieces in the exhibition , and all are available to view until 27th October. #artprize #sussexartist #sussexart #sussexcontemporary @seawhiteofbr The winner of this year's photography prize is @miloosborn for his work entitled Innate Child. #sussexartist #sussexart #sussexcontemporary #photography
How to find us. By car - follow signs for the ferry terminal and turn right when you get there into the carpark (rough ground). By bus - route 12 Coaster buses stop at the Railway Station Interchange which is a 3 minute walk. By train - Newhaven T
Free exhibition. 170 artworks. Open 11am-5pm Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun until 27th October. #sussexcontemporary #sussexart #sussexartists #newhaven #artexhibition
Got in this morning to see the lovely lads putting up our window sign for THE SUSSEX 2024 Not long… #thesussex2024 #thesussex #creativenewhaven #artspace #newhaven #sussexart #sussexcontemporary
Day 2 of hang ✔️ Lots and lots to do but it’s starting to take shape, the hang is incredible, we can’t wait to welcome you in 🙏🏻😘 #duality #thesussex2024 #thesussex #sussexcontemporary #exhibition #contemporaryart #livingartists #sus Let’s go THE SUSSEX 2024 #art #contemporaryart #sussexart #sussexartist #thesussex #thesussex2024 #sussexcontemporaryart #sussexcontemporary CALLING SUSSEX-LINKED CERAMICISTS We have a few spaces left at our upcoming SUSSEX CERAMICS FAIR on the 16th of November 2024 10am - 4pm. No fee to apply, just fill in our Google form, head on over to our website, click on artist opportunities, and
Last night listening to @alanmeasles sing and seeing two beautiful exhibitions at @charlestontrust Well worth a visit 🙏🏻🙌🏼 #charleston #sussexcontemporary #graysonperry #privateview #lewes #Sussex #sussexarts
And we are open! Come down to the Marine Workshops today we are here until 4pm 🕓 today with the very lovely and talented bunch that is @newhavenartclub for @artwavefestival @monjoligoods @doollaly @twanglovenature @orianajewellery @onnekestud

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.