Arts studio moves to Portslade after 'gentrification' of former Hove base

A group of 16 artists who said creatives were being pushed out of Brighton and Hove because of the 'gentrification' of the area have found a new home.
Red Herring Studios artists Alice Duck, Nick Sayers, Derya Erdem, Amy
Branton, Tom Butcher (and his dog), Carla Armour (Credit:  Nick Sayers)Red Herring Studios artists Alice Duck, Nick Sayers, Derya Erdem, Amy
Branton, Tom Butcher (and his dog), Carla Armour (Credit:  Nick Sayers)
Red Herring Studios artists Alice Duck, Nick Sayers, Derya Erdem, Amy Branton, Tom Butcher (and his dog), Carla Armour (Credit: Nick Sayers)

Red Herring Studios was based at the Westerman Complex in School Road, Hove, for more than 18 years, before the site was earmarked for development.

Almost two years ago, the artists said the ‘gentrification’ of Brighton and Hove ‘has made living and working in the city beyond reach for much of the creative community that defines its culture’.Related stories: ‘Gentrification’ pushing creatives out of Brighton and Hove

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But now, the group has found a new home in Portslade and the studios have reopened for business.

Nick Sayers, one of the 16 artists, said: “It’s such a relief that we’ve gone from seeking a new home to advertising for new artists to join us. And it’s exciting to have moved to this area – it’s quite industrial, and full of some fantastically creative companies: Blast Theory, Millimetre, Studio Morison, We Make Stuff Happen… and Small Batch Coffee HQ is our next-door neighbour, so what’s not to like?”.

New member Amy Branton said: “I’m so happy to have been accepted into this long-established artist community at their new Portslade location. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience within this diverse group of skilled artists, which can be shared for the benefit of the wider community. It is a fresh start for everyone, and promises to be a wonderful year of individual and collective growth. Some members are excited to be participating in Artist Open Houses in May, and welcoming all the art lovers who will be visiting!”

The cooperative was set up in 1984, with the aim of offering affordable studio space to artists. It found its first studios in 1985.

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The group has moved eight times since, including opening up the building that now houses Phoenix Brighton as artists’ studios and gallery in 1990.

It is now based at Wellington House, Camden Street, Portslade.

Artists interested in renting spaces at Red Herring should visit: redherringstudios.org