The Fishing Quarter Gallery on Brighton seafront hosted the Bright On Open Call Exhibition, featuring works by 65 local artists. Curated by seascape painter Emma Christopherson, the exhibition presented a visual tour of Brighton from the sea through the city to the South Downs, including seascapes, portraits, and landscapes. Most works were available for purchase, and visitors could meet the artists. This is the second year Christopherson has organized the event, with plans to continue next year.
The exhibition matters because it provides a platform for both emerging and established local artists, many of whom sold their work for the first time, directly supporting the local creative economy. By celebrating Brighton and its surroundings, the event fosters community engagement and appreciation for regional art, reinforcing the role of small galleries in nurturing local talent and cultural identity.