As a Brighton artist, l find it incredibly disheartening to have to travel to other cities just to experience and appreciate contemporary art. While other regional cities like Hastings, Eastbourne, Chichester, and Worthing are flourishing with modern art spaces such as Hastings Contemporary, the Towner, Pallant House, and evolving museum spaces respectively, Brighton—our vibrant and expansive city—is conspicuously lacking in facilities for contemporary art. We have the Brighton Open House Festival in May, which is a wonderful event, but beyond that, there is a cultural void when it comes to displaying international and contemporary local art.

Brighton Museum and Hove Museum, while commendable, predominantly exhibit historic works. Our community deserves and demands more—a dynamic, inclusive space dedicated to contemporary art that will serve both our local and international artists as well as the myriad of visitors who flock to our city. Having such an establishment would not only support local artists who currently have no dedicated venue to showcase their work but would also enrich the cultural life of our city and offer tourists a new and enticing cultural hub.

It's time for Brighton & Hove to catch up with its regional counterparts by establishing a contemporary art gallery or museum. We envision a modern cultural center that is easily accessible to all, family-friendly, and ideally positioned along Brighton or Hove seafront. Such a space would house not only diverse art exhibitions but also a café and a shop, creating a complete experience for art lovers and families alike. This venue would stand as a beacon of Brighton's commitment to the arts, enhancing the city's reputation as a cultural leader and enriching the lives of all who visit or reside here.

Therefore, we urge Brighton & Hove Council to recognize this cultural shortfall and take decisive action by supporting the creation of a contemporary art space. This is not just about art; this is about community, culture, and the economic benefits such an institution would bring to our city.

Please join me in petitioning Brighton & Hove Council to make a creative leap forward. Sign this petition to advocate for a contemporary art gallery or museum that will serve as a cornerstone of Brighton's cultural landscape.