Although in the early years the Open Houses movement was based solely in the Fiveways area, over the years it has grown to encompass all parts of the city, out to Ditchling and to several villages and towns across the Downs. It is a tribute is to the strength of Ned Hoskins’ original idea that the festival continues to build and flourish and is now in its 40th year.

The theme of this exhibition, Towards the Light, is taken from the title of one of Ned Hoskins’ paintings. The exhibition invited submissions, connecting to the theme, from all artists taking part this year in the Artists Open Houses festival.

Ned was distinctly inspired by the environment, seeking out nature and places to wander whenever possible; from his early days at art school in Harrogate where he painted on the Yorkshire Moors, through to his time in California, Europe and more locally, where his work took frequent inspiration from the South Downs. As we all look towards brighter moments after recent restrictions, Ned’s work, actions and legacies offer a fabulous opportunity to remember how important it is to take risks, make art and work with your community.

Ned Hoskins was a trailblazer who started something so pertinent that its relevance resonates as strongly today as 40 years ago. As artists continue to seek ways to show their work, support each other and build a stronger art sector, Artists Open Houses is proud to spotlight the inspiring actions of Ned Hoskins who, 40 years ago, created a movement enabling access to art for everyone, by simply opening his front door and inviting the public inside to view his work.

Exhibiting artists:
 Kay Aplin, Melissa Birch, Becky Blair, Bob and Eve, Abigail Bowen, Lucy Bristow, Lucy Cooper, Amy Dury, Miranda Ellis, Eve Gnoyke, Ned Hoskins, Mami Houlton, Emily Jolley, Claire Knill, Debbie Lawrence, Jon Mills, Catriona Muir, Dion Salvador Lloyd, Kate Scott, Ali Stringell, Sophie Wake, Laurence Wallace, Jo Watters-Pawlowski

Exhibition curated by:
Claire Wearn Independent Creative Producer & Curator

“I’m so happy to have a piece in the show, it means so much to me. Not only have I longed to show at the Town House, also I have lived in Brighton for 40 years next year and we came to the second open house and spoke with Ned and I remember it so well as I was a teenager wannabe artist.”
AOH artist, Sophie Wake

In memory of  AOH artist Jennifer Beresford.
Jennifer was one of the original AOH and ‘Beyond The Level’ artists on Ditchling Rise, who sadly died last year. You can see an exhibition of her work at Nick Ford’s Studio on the Beyond the Level trail.