Brighton Art Space – a new Brighton artist community

Hi Frances, Brighton Art Space is quite a recent arrival on the Brighton art scene. Can you tell us a bit about it and your future plans?
Hello! I founded BAS last year primarily because I was looking for studio space and couldn’t find any. It made me realise the real and pressing need for community art spaces in Brighton, with affordable and safe studios. The building came up for lease and the stars aligned. It is the perfect space for artist’s studios – right in the North Laines.

The key to the whole thing is that we’re a CIC (community interest company) which means it’s not-for-profit, and that community is at the heart of everything that happens here. The artists here are members, not just renters. We have 14 members and two gallery spaces.

Future plans are looking very exciting indeed: we are hoping to open BAS² in March 2025. We will let everyone know more as it develops – so keep an eye on our Insta and website!

Ladybird Spider – Frances Anderson

Would you like to tell us a bit about your own work?
So yes, apart from being BAS director/founder, I am one of the 14 artists with a studio here. I work in watercolour and gold leaf, juxtaposing nature and geometry. I am currently working on a series depicting endangered UK animals on these amazing vintage shooting targets I found at auction. I’m also fascinated by the Japanese practice of ‘kintsugi’ and have been applying these principles to paper. Ripping things up and then mending it with gold – it’s very satisfying!

Enchantment – Soma Bognar 

Community is important to BAS and you are keen to support recent graduate artists. Would you tell us something about this?
Graduating from uni can be quite a challenging time – especially for younger artists. So our top floor is reserved for these artists to help launch their practice and support their next steps. It provides affordable, safe space that offers a chance to really grow and flourish. Which is really exciting to see. And the work up there is incredible – insanely talented, they are each producing some seriously impressive work.

Another Perspective – Bonnie and Clyde

You have some very well established and long-term Open House artists in the BAS studios, such as Bonnie & Clyde and Maria Rivans; could you tell us a little about their work?
I think their work speaks for itself! They are two incredibly creative people with an amazing work ethic. Totally dedicated to their respective practices, they are both absolute professionals that nail it – and also warm, generous and excellent humans. We are very lucky to have them

Untitled -Emily Maguire

Do you think there is valuable sharing of experience between the generations?
Very much so. How else do you learn? We are all learning, all the time (or at least should be aiming to!) It’s a multiway exchange in which everyone benefits.

What are you most looking forward to in taking part in AOH this Winter?
Opening the doors and welcoming all the lovely AOH folk in. It’s the epitome of community building. And tremendously good fun!

Chalkpit (Sunrise) – Tom Scotcher

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Yes. Mulled wine will be offered at BAS Saturday and Sunday from 3pm. Hooray! Come join us for some festive cheer and excellent art!
Also, a massive shout-out to Atelier 51 who we’ve teamed up with. They’re number 43 and have some brilliant artists that are an absolute must-see.

Visit Brighton Art Space (CIC) at:
27 Regent St, Brighton, BN1 1UL

www.brightonartspace.com
@brightonartspace