Phoenix Welcomes New Patrons At Inclusive Arts Exhibition
Henry Normal and David Shrigley have become the first Patrons of Phoenix Brighton, the largest provider of artists’ studio space in the south east. Phoenix celebrates this news with a welcome event on Friday 21st September. This event will coincide with the opening of a new exhibition curated by the Rocket Artists, a group of artists with and without learning disabilities.
Henry Normal is a writer, poet and TV producer (The Trip, Gavin & Stacey, The Mighty Boosh). He initially worked with Phoenix on Art By Johnny, a Rocket Artists exhibition that showcased paintings by Johnny Carroll-Pell, Normal’s son who has autism.
“Phoenix is more than just an ambitious organisation with great momentum and an ever growing reputation. In Brighton, it is a cultural landmark. I hope to help support its valuable work in the city in building stronger links for all inside Phoenix and the local community” – Henry Normal
David Shrigley is a renowned international artist, known to a Brighton audience as the most recent Guest Director of Brighton Festival.
“I am particularly pleased to be supporting artists in Brighton and the surrounding areas via my involvement with Phoenix” – David Shrigle
Normal and Shrigley’s involvement positions Phoenix firmly within the local cultural landscape, allowing the organisation to continue building on its reputation as an innovative provider of artists studio spaces. As well as housing over 100 artists, Phoenix also runs a full calendar of contemporary art exhibitions and an inclusive education programme.
Executive Director, Sarah Davies says “It is a pure privilege to work with such passionate and inspiring people and I know they both will help shape our vision to create a future proof organisation to champion the best in the visual arts”.
All are welcome to Phoenix on Friday 21st September between 1-3pm for the Patrons Welcome Event as well as the opening of Past Summers, an exhibition of paintings by three emerging artists who work in the Rockets supported studio. Rocket Artists Studios provides creative opportunities for artists who live with physical and learning disabilities to grow, show and share their abilities.