Curious Minds - Emerging Sussex Youth Open Call 2026
Are you aged 14–25 and living in Sussex? Are you an artist, designer, sculptor, mover, maker, or visual storyteller? We want to hear from you with your responses to the theme: CURIOUS MINDS. This theme was set by young artist for the youth open call.
To hear about Curious Minds -Emerging Sussex 2026 opportunities and sign up to our newsletter. If you would like to submit your art work for the exhibition fill out the application form by Wednesday 9th September 2026.
Workshops
FIRST FLOOR | MARINE WORKSHOPS
Sept 19 | Sat
10.30 – 2.30pm
FREE | Book tickets here
Join us for a morning of tips, tricks and reviews as we delve into what makes a great portfolio. Starting with a short presentation, we’ll run through some principles and guidance when it comes to laying out ideas and projects. Plus one to one sessions, to talk through projects, the layout and order of the folio plus any questions along the way. Whether you’re applying to university or entering the first stages of a design or creative career, this session is open to any creatives aged 14-25 who are looking for advice on how to share their work and creativity.
Sept 19 | Sat
12.00 – 3.30pm
FREE | Drop in
Worm Factory in Residence with Hospitable Environment with a range of FREE drop-in workshops! Zine making, make your own bug for the collective Worm Factory quilt, create your own mini wall hanging, micro cinema, chill out and calm space, worms. Come and see the exhibitions, discover the creative degrees on offer at the Newhaven campus and take part in a weekend of free creative workshops. See you there!
From The Ground Studio were the winners of the Young Curators Prize at Emerging Sussex 2025, and this year have been awarded an exhibition and workshop programme in the Atrium of the Marine Workshops. This exhibition and workshop programme is supported and sponsored by Hospitable Environment, Artwave and Towner BN9 as part of our initiatives to support and engage young creatives in exhibiting their work and career pathways to the creative industries. Sign up to the free workshops here!
Emerging Sussex- Hold on Tight 2025 was a huge success. This open call showcased work by 70 young artists aged 14–25, attracting an incredible 770 visitors during its run from 14–21 September 2025.
The exhibition celebrated a wide range of mixed-media practices and was met with an overwhelmingly positive public response, with visitors describing the show as “inspiring,” “uplifting,” and “the future of art in safe hands.”
Our prize and award programme recognised outstanding work and emerging potential. Highlights included:
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Taliesin Wintle, awarded a billboard site exhibition by Look Again Newhaven.
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Lucas Bickerstaff, Lola Harris, and W. Dunford, each receiving £50 Lawrence Art Supplies vouchers from Hospitable Environment CIC.
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Eddie Gilvan Cartwright and Tia Wilson, awarded Towner Eastbourne memberships.
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From the Ground Studio, offered a free exhibition and venue support for Artwave 2026.
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Mentoring, courses, and specialist awards supported many other artists across ceramics, photography, sculpture, and professional development.
Thank you to; Eastbourne Studio Pottery, Cement Art School, Towner and Sussex Contemporary, Enjoolata Foundation and Lewes District Council.
We’re hugely proud of all the artists, partners, educators, and audiences who made Emerging Sussex 2025 such a success and we’re already looking ahead to an expanded programme in 2026. Stay tuned by signing up to our mailing list!