What’s On: Beachside Art, Mediterranean Energy And A Sunset Talk Hosted By Banksy’s Publicist Jo Brooks
As temperatures climb to 25°C across Brighton and Hove this Friday and stay warm through the bank holiday weekend, Rockwater Hove is turning the seafront into a coastal Balearic-inspired art escape with a two-day collaboration alongside Helm Gallery. Rockwater is a it’s a restaurant hospitality space. So food and dining options, and then Rockwater also puts on a lot of different collaborations, lessons, speakers, exercise classes based around the coast throughout the month. This event is more geared towards adults, but the venue itself is child and very family friendly.
Set between Rockwater’s Roof Terrace and the beach itself, the activation blends contemporary art, sea views, sunset conversations and open-air creativity, bringing the feel of a Mediterranean beach club to the Sussex coast, without the airport queues.
Friday 22 May: No Rules. Just Paint.
Contemporary artist Emily Powell joins Jo Brooks for an intimate sunset conversation on Rockwater Hove’s Roof Terrace from 7pm to 9pm.
Powell has previously exhibited with the Royal Society of Arts, collaborated with Museum of Modern Art, the National Galleries of Scotland and The British Museum, and featured in the 2020 BBC documentary surrounding the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
The discussion will explore the realities of building a career in contemporary art, balancing creativity with commerce, and Powell’s unconventional journey through the industry. Hosted in partnership with Helm Gallery, the evening promises colour, creativity and a behind-the-scenes look into the modern art world against the backdrop of the sea at sunset.
Saturday 23 May: Live Painting On The Beach
The following day, Powell takes her work directly onto the shoreline with a live painting session on the beach.
With temperatures forecast to hit 24°C, the experience combines Brighton’s creative energy with the atmosphere of a Mediterranean summer escape, offering visitors a chance to watch contemporary art unfold in real time beside the sea.
Where: Rockwater Hove
When: Friday 22 May and Saturday 23 May
Best For: Bank holiday plans, art lovers, beach days, sunset drinks, date nights and anyone craving European summer energy closer to home.