Artwave: Celebrating artists and makers across the Lewes district for 31 years

Now in its 31st year, the visual arts festival goes from strength to strength, with 45 new venues opening their doors for the first time this year, including venues in Lewes and the surrounding villages, Seaford, Newhaven, Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs.

Discover work by hundreds of artists and makers, with exhibitions in private homes, windmills, railway signal boxes, farms and churches, from Ditchling to Herstmonceux, Cuckmere to Danehill. Many will be offering refreshments in the garden, talks, demonstrations, performances and opportunities to join in.  

Enjoy lunch at a rural pottery, a puppet show at an artist's home, hear live music in a carpenter's garden, or try your hand at lino printing. Whether just out for a browse or shopping for your own home or a unique gift, buy direct from the artists and support this thriving creative community.  

Pick up a printed guide from Lewes or Seaford Tourist Information Centers, from Charleston Lewes, at venues around the District, or browse the guide online at artwavefestival.org. Check individual venues for opening times and facilities and plan your visits. It's the perfect way to discover more of this beautiful part of the county. 

Artwave is made possible by the generous support of Lewes District Council and local businesses, including headline sponsors Artelium Wine Estate, which is opening as an Artwave venue this year - visit them in Streat, near Ditchling. 

Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Leisure at Lewes District Council, said: "Artwave supports our brilliant creative community by giving art lovers the chance to discover new work, meet artists and makers, and buy directly from them. The festival always showcases a wide variety of quality art to suit all tastes and this year's line-up of exhibitions and open studios looks fantastic - so do come along and enjoy it if you can." 

Enjoy the Artwave trails between the 7th-22nd September and discover the wealth of artists & makers across this hugely creative corner of the county.

Published on August 28, 2024.

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