East Sussex young artists celebrated at Newhaven exhibition

Celebrating the next generation of creative talent

Young artists from across East Sussex have been given a wonderful platform to showcase their work and gain public recognition for their efforts. The Emerging Sussex: Curious Minds exhibition, held in Newhaven from September 17–20, provided exactly that opportunity as part of the Artwave festival.

Supported by East Sussex College, the four-day event brought together emerging creatives to display their artwork, connect with fellow artists and celebrate the region's artistic talent. The exhibition proved to be a significant milestone for many of the young participants, offering them the chance to exhibit alongside their peers and receive recognition from industry professionals.

Award-winning work on display

Several East Sussex College students were honoured with prestigious awards during the exhibition. Martha Wicher, an A-level Photography student at East Sussex College Lewes, received the college's PROUD Award for her compelling work exploring the theme of ageing.

Wicher's winning piece showcases the detail of skin and how it changes as we grow older, capturing both the beauty and truth of the ageing process. Speaking about her achievement, Wicher said she was impressed by the standard of work on display, including A-level and degree-level pieces.

"I was so surprised to find out I had won the East Sussex College PROUD Award," she explained. "I attended the private view on Friday and was really impressed by the standard of work others had submitted."

Wicher drew inspiration from photographer Anastasia Pottinger's intricate approach to capturing detail and emotion through portraiture.

Recognition across multiple disciplines

The success wasn't limited to photography. Several other East Sussex College students received awards from Artwave partners throughout the exhibition:

- Archie Legg won the Hospitable Environment prize
- Lydia Simmonds received a Newhaven Art Projects Award
- Danniella Skinner-Clark, a BA Designer Maker student, was awarded the Eastbourne Studio Pottery prize
- Zac Ostler and Artur Wales were runners-up for the PROUD Award

The variety of awards reflects the diverse range of creative disciplines represented at the exhibition, from photography and design to pottery and visual arts.

Building connections and opportunities

Beyond the accolades, the exhibition served an important purpose in building community among young creatives. The four-day event allowed emerging artists to network, share ideas and gain valuable exposure for their work in front of both industry professionals and the wider public.

For students like Wicher and her fellow award winners, the Emerging Sussex: Curious Minds exhibition represents a significant stepping stone in their artistic careers, providing recognition and encouragement as they continue to develop their creative practices.

Source: Rising artists celebrated as exhibition showcases next generation of talent