ABOUT

inspiring social change

through
art

Welcome to Phoenix Art Space

A Home for Artists, Ideas, and Communities

For over 30 years, Phoenix Art Space has been a vital part of Brighton and Hove’s cultural life. Established through the artist-led movement of the 1990s, we have grown into one of the region’s largest studio providers and a dynamic centre for contemporary art, creativity and community.

Home to more than 100 studio artists, alongside public exhibitions, events and learning, Phoenix brings 20,000 people together each year through creativity and new ideas. Here, you can discover new perspectives, connect through art and help shape a more inclusive and inspiring future.

Alongside our exhibition programme, we put on a range of regular community events which are open to everyone. These include:

talks and presentations from artists & arts organisations
family fun days
short courses, one-day events & drop-in workshops.

“Coming here, it’s given me purpose. It gives me a reason to get up in the morning.”

– The Art Club participant

Phoenix Arts Association Ltd, Registered Charity no.1051551 Registered Company no. 03136932

A great way to join this unique community of art lovers and support Phoenix Art Space, is to join our Supporter Scheme as a Friend, Supporter or Patron.

Phoenix Supporter Scheme

Join a unique
community of art lovers

Phoenix Friends, Supporters and Patrons will discover more about the contemporary art world through direct contact with studio artists and their work. Our diverse, year-round programme of events and behind-the-scenes opportunities offers fascinating insights into creative processes.

OUR HISTORY

In the early 1990s, a group of artists came together to create affordable studio space in Brighton. Working from the former Wellesley House office building at Waterloo Place, they established an artist-led organisation dedicated to supporting creative practice and fostering a vibrant artistic community. In December 1995, Phoenix Arts Association was formally incorporated and registered as a charity, securing its future as a public benefit organisation. Over the following three decades, we have grown into one of the South East’s largest studio providers, supporting more than 100 artists while developing a programme of exhibitions, learning and community engagement that continues to connect artists and audiences today.

The building itself has an unusual history. Constructed between 1968 and 1970 as Wellesley House, it replaced much of the Regency Waterloo Place terrace. During its redevelopment, resident Harriet Sylvester famously refused to sell her home at No. 9 Waterloo Place. As a result, the office block was built around her house, which remained standing until her death in 1974, when the final section of the building was completed.

Today, the former office block is owned and maintained by the charity and is a thriving centre for artists, ideas and communities. We are proud to be celebrating 30 years of supporting creativity and artistic practice.

Phoenix at 30 – celebrating the past, shaping the future