There are plenty of art galleries in Brighton to visit; here we list the best, and keep you up to date with shows that are on. There is a link to each gallery, along with a link to a map to locate them. The galleries we have selected are the ones showing more alternative art; for more everyday galleries try the Brighton and Hove websites listings.
Ink-d
96 North Road, Brighton (3 doors down from Bill’s Produce) - View map 
Ink-d is Brighton’s most original gallery. It’s a small one, with one floor for whatever show is on, and a working studio upstairs with art for sale from previous shows. It contains work from some of the more left field local artists - recent shows included the KLF’s James Cauty’s Portslade Massif and Graham Carter’s tall trees and robots.
What’s on at Ink-d?
4th July - 2nd August 2008
Pure Evil solo show. Pure Evil is a street artist and apparently a descendant of Sir Thomas Moore who was beheaded by Henry VIII. “Using dark humour and twisting symbolism to create new forms, the new show looks at what lurks around the corner on the secret streets of London and sheds light on the things under our noses that we never take the time to notice - as we hurtle forwards into the future…” - ink_d site.
When’s Ink-d open?
Open 11am until 6pm Monday - Saturday.
Phoenix Gallery
10 - 14 Waterloo Place, Brighton (at the bottom of the level) - View Map 
The Phoenix Gallery is the exhibition area of the Phoenix Arts Association, a charitable arts organisation providing studio space for local artists, and run by local artists. The exhibitions are often very experimental and feature artists from all over the world as well as local ones.
What’s on at the Phoenix Gallery?
28th June - 12th July 2008
Culture Bunker by Mike Stoakes. The gallery is going to be designed to look like a bunker for this exhibition of images focusing on Hitler and Nazi symbolism (!!!). Looks like a controversial one.
When’s the Phoenix Gallery open?
Tues - Sat 11 - 5
Crane Kalman Gallery
38 Kensington Gardens, North Laine, Brighton (opposite Snoopers Paradise) - View Map 
The Crane Kalman gallery is a small photo gallery always full of interesting and often iconic images. Recent shows included an exhibition of images taken of local people by the world famous Polly Borland, a range of images of musicians including David Bowie, Kurt Cobain and Jeff Buckley from Rock Archive, and a collection of original vintage Eastern European film posters.
What’s on at the Crane Kalman Gallery
11 June 2008 - 20 July 2008
Leisure by Katherine Laval. Images of Coney Island, Brighton Pier and other ‘Leisurely’ locations by this well published photographer.
When’s the Crane Kalman Gallery open?
Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm and Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm
North Laine Photography
Above Snoopers Paradise, Kensington Gardens, North Laines, Brighton - View Map 
The North Laine Photography gallery sells images of Brighton which rarely change, but also displays interesting exhibitions by local photographers on a regular basis. Highlights this year included Miss Aniela who was previously a very popular member of Flickr staging her first ever exhibition, Petrusco with his surreal images of Victorian decadence in Brighton and accompanying film, and the Dark Daze exhibition featuring original and controversial compositions.
What’s on at North Laine Photography
No special exhibitions right now.
When’s North Laine Photoraphy open?
10 - 17.00 Mon - Fri, 11 - 15.00 Sun.
Fabrica
Holy Trinity Church, Duke Street/Ship Street, Brighton (opposite the old post office/former market in South Lanes) - View Map
Fabrica is a visual arts centre in a former church which uses its space to stage impressive and innovative installations. 4 major works are displayed each year along with smaller exhibitions.
What’s on at Fabrica?
5th July 2008 - 25th August 2008
France based sculptor Vincent Mauger will be creating a futuristic sci-fi landscape inside the church using everyday materials from building sites and hardware stores. Sounds intriguing! Keep in touch with progress on his blog.
University of Brighton Gallery
University of Brighton Gallery, Grand Parade, Brighton (opposite the Pavillion and Dome, on the road to the Pier) - View Map
The University of Brighton gallery shows some real heavy-weight stuff, often staging retrospectives of world famous artists, which show alongside occasional shows from the students themselves.
What’s on at the University of Brighton Gallery?
4th July 2008 to 26th July 2008 and 8th August 2008 to 3rd September 2008
“3RD Dimension” - An exhibition of Graffiti sculpture. This looks very interesting, graffiti style tags and artwork, represented in sculpture instead of the usual paint on the wall.
When’s the University of Brighton Gallery open?
Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Calico Gallery
Dyke Rd Mews, Entrance on Dyke Rd/Bath Street, Seven Dials, Brighton (a little bit along the road to the train station from Seven Dials roundabout) - View Map
Its small and out of the town center, but well worth a visit if your in the area or fancy combining a walk with some art. Shows will not be constant, so check here or their site for details first.
What’s on at the Calico Gallery?
Sunday 6th July 2008 – Sunday 20th July 2008
Keith Hardwick - An exhibition of original and interesting paintings and photography.
When’s Calico Gallery open?
10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday
O Contemporary
80 Trafalgar Street, Brighton (down from the train station, just past The Prince Albert) - View Map
O Contemporary is the mainstream alternative - a gallery to rival any in London, albeit a bit smaller. This has displayed work from Tracy Emin, Damien Hirst, Banksy and D*Face. The most recent show of Brazilian art is one of the most colourful and interesting I have seen in a long time, with the entire walls of the gallery graffitied. You can buy the art with an interest free loan from the Arts Council.
What’s on at O Contemporary?
O Contemporary is closing down for good this summer when it relocates to London. In the meantime they are displaying a range of works from the last 2 years, catch it while you can.
When’s O Contemporary open?
Tues to Fri 10am to 5.30pm, Sat 10am to 6pm and Sun 12am to 5pm.
Sydney St Gallery
27 Sydney St, North Laine, Brighton (opposite the chinese supermarket) - View Map
The Sydney St Gallery has recently opened and looks just like a framing shop or photography studio. Inside the shop however there are a number of pieces of art for sale which are apparently going to change on a regular basis, making this a worthwhile place to stop off at. Primarily photographs and prints.
Currently showing - Pre/Post New York - a series of images and artworks representing the city of New York.
She Said Gallery
13 Ship Street Gardens, The Lanes, Brighton (the tiny alley leading down from The Coach House) - View Map
The She Said Gallery opened in June 2008 and is an extension of the She Said erotic boutique next door. This small 2 floor gallery is filled with erotic images and should form the location for a series of exhibitions over the coming months.
Whats on at She Said?
Gallery currently closed.
Leave a Reply