A new art studio has opened at Shoreham Port, providing an inclusive creative hub for workshops and events with lots of opportunities for the community to get involved.

Figment Arts has opened Port Studio, its first 'home', at Lady Bee Marina in Southwick, having been working at various locations in the area for the past five years.

The studio will build on the work Figment Arts Studio has been doing since it was launched in 2020 and support artists to take leadership roles.

David Parker, chief executive, said: “We've just moved into Port Studio. We're going to be running our sessions here, a regular Thursday creative club and Friday supported studios, but this is also a space that people can hire on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Figment Arts has opened Port Studio, its first 'home', at Lady Bee Marina in Southwick, having been working at various locations in the area for the past five years

placeholder image — Figment Arts has opened Port Studio, its first 'home', at Lady Bee Marina in Southwick, having been working at various locations in the area for the past five years

“We're going to try out Open Studio sessions, which is a bit like co-working but for artists, so people can book in for an hour or for the whole day, and they'll get access to the studio. We have some basic materials that people can use, or bring their own work down and get on with that.

“But really, it's about creating a social space where creative people can come together and share what they're doing with each other, get some feedback, get some support.”

A community open day was held on November 10 and there will be a second open day on Saturday, November 14, from 10am to 3pm.

Jo Chappell, project coordinator, said: “A fabulous team of volunteers helped us set things up and we ran our Artist Supported Studio here at the end of the first week, on Friday, November 6, so we really are hitting the ground running!

Port Studio will build on the work Figment Arts Studio has been doing since it was launched in 2020

“We would love you to join our community down here at the Port, so please do drop in, say hello, see where we live and find out about everything we have on offer.

“The Open Studio space is available to hire. Book by the hour, or take the full session at the day rate. This is ideal for individual makers, small projects and regular practice - no need to hire the whole studio.

“You'll work alongside other artists also booked into the Open Studio. A member of the Figment Arts team will be on hand to answer any questions and you will have access to all the studio facilities.

“We will also run a regular film club at Port Studio and our debut screening in 2026 will be Rose of Nevada, 'a Cornish modern classic, eerie, heartbreaking and wonderful, according to Mark Kermode on Kermode and Mayo's Take. ”

Port Studio has opened at Shoreham Port, providing an inclusive creative hub for workshops and events with lots of opportunities for the community to get involved

Tickets for Port Cinema on Monday, December 14, from 6pm to 9pm, are free for members and £5 for non-members, available on Ticketsource at www.ticketsource.com/booking/select/kyrxmynwvegy

Jo said: “We are looking for volunteers over 18 to help run, programme and promote Port Cinema. If you or anyone you know loves everything about film, please get in touch.”

The first Christmas Makers Market will be running over two winter weekends, featuring local artisan makers, creators, shop owners and artist stalls. Stalls are £20 per weekend. Register or get in touch with Jo by email to [email protected].

The markets will be open on Friday, November 27, from 4pm to 7pm, on Saturday, November 28, from 11am to 4pm, on Friday, December 4, from 4pm to 7pm, and on Saturday, December 5, from 11am to 4pm.

The Open Studio is available Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. Visit portstudio.co.uk for more information on how to book and events.