BRIGHTON DAYS OUT - KTAA Artists Winter Exhibition on the Seafront

Seafront Sparkle: Kemptown Arts Association Brings 17 Artists to the Fishing Quarter Gallery (9–14 December 2025)

There’s something unmistakably magical about Brighton in December. Perhaps it’s the crisp sea breeze, the glow of the winter sun on the shingle, or the promise of mulled wine after a brisk stroll along the seafront. This year, there’s an added reason to bundle up and head beach-side: Kemptown Arts Association is bringing 17 brilliant artists to the Fishing Quarter Gallery for a winter exhibition running 9–14 December 2025.

A Gallery Steeped in Brighton’s Creative & Maritime Spirit

Tucked under the Kings Road Arches, between the Palace and West Piers, the Fishing Quarter Gallery is one of those Brighton gems you could walk past a hundred times without realising just how much history it holds. Established in 1999 as a non-commercial platform for local artists, the space sits shoulder-to-shoulder with the Brighton Fishing Museum, forming part of a wider effort to preserve the area’s maritime heritage.

Inside, the gallery’s modern lighting and flexible display boards make way for a constant rotation of contemporary art, photography and craft. Outside, fishermen still land their daily catch, and traditional fish smokers and shellfish stalls continue the age-old bustle of a working seafront. It’s a rare mix of living heritage, creative energy, and community spirit all meeting in one place.

17 Artists, One Week, Endless Inspiration

From photography to mixed media to painting, this December’s exhibition promises a rich, eclectic mix of work. Kemptown Arts Association has long championed local creatives, and this latest gathering brings together 17 artists whose practices are as diverse as the artists that collectively make up KTAA.

Expect bold colour, thoughtful texture, and plenty of surprises; the kind of work that asks you to linger longer than you meant to. And with free entry, it’s the perfect cultural stop-off on a winter wander.

Why the Fishing Quarter is the Perfect Setting

One of the most captivating things about this exhibition is its setting. The Brighton Fishing Museum, just next door, is a treasure trove of local history: from traditional Sussex clinker boats to films, slideshows, and the voices of fishing families echoing through time. It’s a volunteer-run labour of love, founded in 1994 to chart Brighton’s transformation from a humble fishing village to the buzzing resort town we know today.

Pair that with the gallery’s non-commercial, community-first ethos, and you get an event that feels grounded, authentic, and unmistakably ‘Brighton’.

Event Details at a Glance

• What: Kemptown Arts Association Winter Exhibition

• Who: 17 local artists

• When: 9–14 December 2025

• Where: Fishing Quarter Gallery, 202 Seafront, Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 1NB

• Admission: Free

• More Info: kemptownarts.org.uk

  
  

  MEET Some of the ARTISTS

  Agent Amphibian will be showing a selection from her ‘#Frogtraits' series of vibrant metal prints, celebrating the secret beauty of frogs. Plus wearable artworks from the series ‘Model Organism’, featuring a frog with an extraordinary history - bold & chunky statement pieces that’ll look as fabulous on you as they will on your wall.
  
  Find them on Instagram @AgentAmphibian

Jared Orlin's work is best described as a burst of colourful pop art prints and gifts. For this exhibition Jared will be focusing on framed prints, as well as hand-embellished one-off prints. The work centres around iconic faces, Brighton, and humorous typography-style pop culture sayings.

Helen Nestor will be exhibiting her Wabi Sabi images. Helen runs art and wellness sessions inspired by the philosophy and technique of Japanese Wabi Sabi at Anahata Health Clinic and Mid Street Lab art gallery in Kemptown.

Meryem Alagoz, will be exhibiting, alongside other work, The Tree, with downward-growing branches that symbolise duality. Its mirrored reflection blurs the line between above and below, illustrating how perception and reality intertwine—our inner vision shapes the world, just as the world reshapes our perceptions.

David G Taylor, works in digital and mixed media, and all his pieces are 2025 artworks. His style is influenced by the aesthetics of pop art, dadaism and punk. 'Grrr…’ as well as his other pieces are sold as A3 giclee prints in A2 frames. David's work focuses on sexuality, desire and longing from a distance.

Sarah Agnew is a Brighton-based photographer who captures the heritage and natural beauty of Sussex. Her work documents everything from disappearing red telephone boxes and weathered post boxes to vibrant beach huts, tranquil parks, and thriving allotments. With a keen eye for detail, she also celebrates the region’s ancient churches and timeless landscapes.

Find Sarah Agnew on Instagram @SarahAgnew

A December Date You Won’t Want to Miss

Whether you're a long-time champion of Brighton’s creative scene or simply seeking a meaningful moment amid the festive rush, the Fishing Quarter Gallery is calling. Wander through the arches, breathe in the sea air, take in the artwork, and step straight into the beating heart of Brighton’s cultural and historical tapestry.

The Artists will be taking it in turns to be in the gallery, so come down and meet us. 

See you down at the arches soon. 

Best wishes

Sarah