Arts and Culture

Sussex has long been a magnet for creative types, and today the arts play a major part in life here, with a buzzy and innovative cultural scene and some of the best shopping in the south.

Major Sussex art galleries Pallant House, De La Warr Pavilion and The Towner (re-opening in Spring 2008 in a brand new purpose built space) show the best in modern and contemporary art, and there are dozens of small galleries featuring both international names and talented newcomers.

Important collections of art can also be seen in the historic houses Petworth, Goodwood and Parham. Brighton Museum has a world-renowned collection of 20th century decorative arts, including Arts & Crafts pewter by Liberty, Art Nouveau chairs by Thonet, and Art Deco glass by Lalique, while Ditchling Museum features the work of former resident Eric Gill.

The county has a strong literary heritage too: it was home to writers like Henry James, Rudyard Kipling and Colin McInnes, and is associated with fictional icons Winnie-the-Pooh, Sherlock Holmes and National Velvet, to name just three.

For shopping, Sussex has a great choice, from top department stores and all the best High Street names to the small, quirky shops where you’ll find something a bit different. Browse the craft studios and workshops for one-off originals by local artists – Lewes, Hastings and Ditchling have a good selection; for antiques try Petworth, St Leonards, Lewes, Arundel and Brighton, and it’s also worth a look in the antique shops in villages you pass while exploring. Fashionistas head for Brighton for cutting-edge fashion, cult labels and vintage boutiques.

If you're looking for festivals to attend, cultural days out, or nights to remember,  Arts in Sussex  is the definitive website providing information on a range of settings across the counties of West and East Sussex.    Made in Sussex enables you to buy art and craft online from Sussex makers and Cultural Sussex  has information on a rich range of cultural, heritage and art-related events and attractions, in English, French and Dutch.