New Brighton Artists’ Network will help artists survive tough times

The organisation’s aim is to provide a space for artists of all disciplines to come together and take the lead on matters that affect them and their communities.

Founder Elena Italia said: “Since launching, the response has been overwhelming. Over 150 artists have so far joined us, and our membership includes all creative disciplines from visual artists through to writers, sound artists, performers and makers. The strength of our organisation lies in the breadth and diversity of our membership, and we would like to invite every artist in Brighton to join us.

“It provides opportunities for artists to connect and collaborate through a year-round programme of activities including collaboration projects, skill-sharing sessions, brainstorming events and peer-to-peer support groups.

“The network is filling the gap for an interdisciplinary artists network in Brighton, which is home to countless discipline specific networks and events but lacks a place for artists of all disciplines to come together and collaborate.”

Member Mike Barrett said: “Working with artists from other disciplines is a liberating experience for me. I not only get to try out new making processes, I’m also mentored in whole new ways of developing Ideas”.

Fellow member Catherine Iterton added: “As an independent artist, I often work alone, and particularly in lockdown this can be very isolating. It was great brainstorming with other artists about creative ideas, and just connecting with other creative people who live locally was really refreshing.”

Elena added: “Unusually Brighton Artists Network is entirely run by its members, for its members. The organisation is led by a rotating team of volunteer administrators and all activities and events are designed and led by the wider membership pool. Regular meet-ups and planning sessions allow all members to have a say in the direction of the organisation.

“In doing so Brighton Artists Network hopes to develop a new model for support services which empowers artists to grow agency, develop mutually beneficial relationships, and offers a sustainable alternative to private or state-funded artist support. This is particularly crucial at a time when the creative and cultural industries have been amongst those hardest hit by the global pandemic.”

You can find out more about the network’s mission and programme of activities at https://www.brightonartistsnetwork.co.uk