Frances Anderson tells us about BAS 106, their exciting new artists’ studios and gallery space in the heart of Poet’s Corner
Hi Frances,
Brighton Art Space (BAS CIC) in central Brighton has taken part in the Artists Open Houses for a couple of years now – but you are currently opening a new BAS Studio in Hove: BAS 106. Would you like to tell us a bit about the new venue and how you chose the location?
Yes! It’s a really big step for BAS. The new space is located in the heart of Poet’s Corner, directly below Studio 106, which was my old studio. When the lease became available, friends at Studio 106 gently suggested that BAS might be interested in taking it over.
I wasn’t convinced at first—but after looking around, it became clear very quickly what an incredible opportunity it is. The space is perfect for artists’ studios and a contemporary gallery space. BAS106 seemed destined to exist. Now the whole building will be dedicated to the local artistic community, it’s going to be a really prominent destination and creative hub. Everyone at BAS and Studio 106 is super excited!
Could you tell us about the building’s history and what we can expect to see in your inaugural show, as part of the Winter AOH, both space and artist-wise?
Before us it was occupied by Kensington Refrigeration and used primarily as a commercial warehouse—hence the title of the show, De/Frost. We’re aiming to thaw out those fridge vibes with some sizzling hot art!
The building retains an incredible patina of industrial usage, so we’ll be leaving the space in a relatively raw state for the most part. We’re seizing the opportunity to exhibit in this glorious expanse, before it gets converted into permanent artists’ studios. This is a wonderful, quite rare, chance for artists to show their largerscale works in a proportionally appropriate space—I know Abi Bowen, Soma Bognar, Finn Johnston, Emily Maguire and new member Elissa Jane Diver (exhibiting her large-scale photography) are all particularly excited.
Not to diminish the smaller works, of course—there is plenty of room for everyone. All 25 members will be exhibiting across all mediums. This show is a true celebration of every member and how far we’ve come as a community in a relatively short time. The BAS collective is a really supportive and collaborative environment—we’re all really proud of it.
How many artists will the new studios provide space for, and how do you see it differing from the original BAS in Brighton?
We have the potential for up to 30 artists, but the final capacity will largely depend on community demand. I’m happy to keep things flexible to accommodate varying needs, whether artists prefer larger individual spaces or wish to share smaller ones to keep costs down.
In terms of how it differs from both BAS Regent St and BAS2 on Trafalgar St, the new building has a much more open-plan, ‘warehouse’ feel. We’re dedicated to preserving the history and character of the building—so the wonderful original brickwork definitely won’t be plaster-boarded over!
Additionally, there will be a dedicated gallery space finished to the highest spec. Designed to offer an elevated environment for exhibiting art across all mediums, it’s going to be a brilliant new venue for exciting new work.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your own work?
I’m a painter working primarily in watercolour, with a focus on weird and wonderful flora and fauna. From insects and birds to fungi, I’ve always been fascinated by nature’s oddities. Truthfully, I’ve been a bit busy recently with Brighton Art Space to get much new work done, but once BAS106 is established and settled, I’m looking forward to getting back into it!
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
We have an opening launch party coming up on Friday 27th November at BAS106. It’s going to be a fabulous celebration of art and the community, both local and wider, and everyone is welcome. So please let people know that tickets are available on our website and Instagram – it’s free and will be lot of fun!
Also I’d like to say a big thank you to AOH – your support and help have really made a difference over the years. Keep up the excellent work!
