Artists’ ideas about home, protection and belonging will come together in Newhaven this November when Sussex Contemporary opens its annual selected exhibition.
The Sussex 2026: Shelter takes place at BN9 Studio in the Marine Workshops. The organiser lists 7–29 November, with free entry.
At a glance
| Where | BN9 Studio, Marine Workshops, Railway Approach, Newhaven, BN9 0ER |
|---|---|
| Dates | 7–29 November 2026, according to the organiser |
| Opening | Thursday–Saturday 11am–4pm; Sunday 11am–3pm |
| Admission | Free |
What does shelter mean?
The exhibition spans painting, print, photography, sculpture, textiles, mixed media and installation. Its theme extends beyond buildings to questions of identity, vulnerability, memory and the places people turn to for safety.
The organiser’s exhibition page describes this as the fifth annual edition and says the exhibited works will be available to buy. Visitors can view the exhibition without making a purchase.
Work by Sussex-linked artists
The organiser’s published 2026 catalogue gives a more concrete view of the theme. It includes Geraldine Swayne’s The Concious Cave, Kathy WilliamsArtist’s Enveloping care, Scarlett Yang’s Fang Si-Chi’s First Love Paradise I and two Brighton night scenes by Tracy Wadey, Night in St Ann’s Well Gardens and Moon over Kerrison Mews. Titles are reproduced as listed in the catalogue.
Those examples show why “shelter” need not mean a picture of a house: the theme can be approached through landscape, memory, relationships or the experience of being protected. The catalogue entries identify individual works, materials and prices. Its link was unavailable during our latest check; use the organiser’s website for current exhibition information. A sales listing is separate from the free admission to view the exhibition.
The organiser says works displayed at an exhibition normally remain there until it closes, with collection or delivery arranged after purchase. Visitors considering a work should check the entry for framing and collection terms, rather than assume a purchase can be carried away during the visit.
Check opening details before travelling
The organiser’s current listing gives the dates and hours above. However, the Marine Workshops programme currently shows a 28 November closing date and a 10am opening time. These published details need reconciling before a visit, particularly for anyone planning the final weekend.
Two official listings differ
Confirm the final date and daily opening time with Sussex Contemporary. The organiser currently lists 29 November and 11am opening; the venue programme lists 28 November and 10am.
The venue programme places Marine Workshops on Railway Approach. Confirm entrance arrangements and any step-free access requirements directly before travelling.
Find the venue
For more local planning information, see our East Sussex places to visit guide.
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