
Top 10 Brighton Fringe Art Exhibitions and Events 2016
With a jam-packed programme of events, Brighton Fringe has lots to offer and won’t disappoint on the visual arts front. Knowing it’s unlikely you’ll see absolutely everything, artrepublic is here to help with its pick of this year’s 10 best Brighton Fringe art shows and events 2016.
Art InSight
By entering the world of sight loss, remaining senses are heightened. Experience art produced by both sighted and visually impaired artists on this immersive and interactive journey at St Ann’s Well Gardens. Try a game of Sound Tennis and explore the sensory trail – this event promises to challenge your perception of what living as a visually impaired person is like.
Date/Time: 7 – 22nd May / 8.30am
Admission: Free
The Best Ink_d Show EVER
After almost 10 years at the forefront of Brighton’s art scene, Ink_d Gallery is sadly closing its doors. Staying true to form, the rebellious art institution won’t go without a bang. The gallery has invited every artist it’s ever shown to submit one fantastic piece of artwork, thus creating The Best Ink_d Show Ever. The group show will run for the duration of the Fringe Festival and will made up entirely of one-off originals from a mix of local and international artists.
Date/Time: 1-31 May / 10am-6pm
Admission: Free
Artrepublic presents: Art Yard Sale
Brighton’s annual Art Yard Sale is back following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event. Market stalls will transform Jubilee Square, creating a bustling treasure trove for contemporary and street art fans. Featuring work by 30 of the most exciting and current urban artists – many of whom will be creating original art and hand finishing prints live at the event – the Art Yard Sale is a great opportunity to meet the artists and bag a bargain.
Date/Time: 5 June / 11am-5pm
Admission: Free
Cultureground @ B.fest
Organised and run by young people, Cultureground is an interactive gallery taking the best art, sculpture, debate and creative workshops from Brighton’s youth and showcasing it to the public. Come and challenge your perceptions what ‘youth’ art means.
Date/Time: 31 May and 1-3 June / 5pm
Admission: Free
George Douglas: The Unseen Archive
Brighton-born George Douglas or “Speedy George” was a remarkable photographer and documentary stylist that papped everyone from Hollywood royalty to Britain’s first female chimney sweep in the 50s and 60s. But most of this fantastic and diverse collection of work remained hidden as undeveloped negatives until after his death in 2010. This show will put George’s unseen work on show to the public in his hometown where it was discovered.
Date/Time: 1-31 May and 1-5 June / 11am
Admission: Free
My Brighton gARTen x Artfinder
This collaboration between My Brighton Hotel and Artfinder promises a live art extravaganza. The hotel’s Mercury Room will be transformed with an array of visual artworks designed by Brighton-based Artfinder artists.
Date/Time: 30 April – 1, 8, 14-15, 28-29 May
Admission: Free
Off The Rails
This show embodies the true sense of the term ‘off the rails’, as graphic artist Andy Seize showcases a 1:1 scale replica of a Jubilee Line tube carriage. The tube train has been customised in Andy’s signature bold and stylistic graffiti art, demonstrating his intrigue and life-long love of the London Underground.
Not only can you view Andy’s artwork at the installation but ‘Off the Rails’ graphic art youth workshops will run alongside the show.
Date/Time: 6-22 May / 9am
Admission: Free
Artists Open Houses
Though not strictly a Fringe event, the Artist Open Houses, with over 200 venues across the city every weekend in May, is arguably Brighton’s biggest art event and not to be missed. Predominantly residential homes, the event allows for a snoop into how people in the city live, as well as a chance to see works by incredible local artists. Opening times vary between venues, so pick up a brochure or check out the website before you plan your tours.
Date/Time: 30 April – 30 May see website for individual venues opening times
Admission: Free
Who Sampled Who’ presents Fallen Hip Hop Legends
If you love hip-hop, this interactive exhibition at Jubilee Library is one for you. A collaborative effort from Exploring Senses and One Brighton FM, there will be digital 3D printed artworks and also a series of free workshops at the Brighton Youth Centre. Aimed at young people aged 13-19, the workshops will demonstrate how to make 3D printed art and interactive pieces of music.
Date/Time: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May, 5 Jun / 11am / 30 Apr, 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 May, 3-4 Jun / 10am / 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May / 10am
Admission: Free
Drawing People on Stage: Brighton Workshop 2016
An immersive and intensive three-day workshop on urban sketching, led by world-renowned sketchers: Isabel Carmona, Swasky and Rolf Schroeter. There will be no formal and stuffy classroom. Instead, you’ll be honing your skills on location – drawing and recording the moments and details of all that the Brighton Fringe has to offer. Each artist has something different to share; whether that’s rhythm, timing or focusing your subject in the sketch.
Date/Time: 27-29 May / 9am
Admission: £225
Cover Image – ‘Artfinder artist Hannah Adamaszek c. Liam Keown