About Us

Steyning Arts was established in May 2011 and brings together over sixty local artists and craftspeople, both professionals and talented amateurs. Our aim is to:

• showcase local artists across a broad range of artistic disciplines – including painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, crafts and photography.
• make our art accessible to the wider public – providing them with a chance to appreciate and buy work that is unique, locally created, and eminently collectable.
• inspire budding artists to develop their talents.
• build a community of artists and supporters that nurtures the creation and appreciation of art.

 Exhibitions : Events : Inspiration

Most years we organise a Summer Art Trail in Steyning and surrounding villages, providing visitors with a chance to see artists’ work in their homes and studios.  A rich and eclectic mix of artwork and crafts is on display, with tea and cakes in some of the venues to sustain visitors while they are on the trail.

Steyning Arts Christmas Gift Fair and Art Exhibition  is an annual arts fair designed with Christmas gifts and decorations in mind.  Held in early December, at the Steyning Centre, it provides an engaging shopping experience – a creative antidote to the impersonal, mass-produced merchandise on offer elsewhere.

In between our regular shows we have, on occasions organised one-off exhibitions most notably we had one at the Oxmarket Gallery, in Chichester.

Members also run social events such as the monthly Professional Support and Network meetings where artists can meet, get to know each other’s work, and discuss work-related topics such as where to buy supplies or how to market their artwork.

Some of our members run Art in the Park events as part of the Steyning Festival and Community pop up workshops when the appropriate occasions arise.

How We Are Organised

Steyning Arts is run by a Core Team (about 10 members). Each year we have 3 planning meetings where any member can attend to help share ideas, make decisions and divide up tasks between volunteers. In addition to this Core Team members meet in smaller groups during the course of the year. We like to bring new people to the team and encourage members to discuss the roles with existing role holders and plan to take a turn. It’s great experience and can be a good way to develop personal and professional networks. 

Team Roles:

Co Chair

The Co-Chairs for Steyning Arts work closely together to nurture new ideas, help shape the evolving vision for Steyning Arts and make decisions based upon consultation with a wider core team and other members. This leadership role helps ensure the smooth running of Steyning Arts. Co-Chairs have an interest in supporting others in their roles, good communication skills and an ability to maintain and develop appropriate community networks. Confidence in steering and managing a broader team of volunteers is an important attribute. Whilst there are 2 key times in the year when most of the activity happens (Art trail, Christmas event) there is usually something to follow up and monitor throughout the year (pop up exhibitions etc.).  Read full description

Membership Secretary

This role really does enable good communications between all members and the core team to work. Ensuring new members are welcomed, their contact details are secure, and they are included in our mailing systems is the main focus of the role. The membership Sec works closely with co-chairs to help review and edit all communications and publicity so that clear, well-presented messages go out to members via google and Mailchimp and publicity via ‘Your Steyning’ and other relevant local media contacts is also important. Read full description

Treasurer

Being treasurer involves taking responsibility for Steyning Arts finances. Existing record keeping works very well, is straightforward and user friendly. The treasurer tracks income and expenditure throughout the year – and into which categories that money fits – membership, art trail etc. familiarity with an excel spreadsheet and an interest in some simple numbers are what you need for this role. Most of the activity takes place between January to March with occasional through the year.  Read full description

Minutes Secretary

It is important to keep good records and our minutes secretary records the AGM and 3 more planning meetings during the year.  Read full description

Website Designer/Co-ordinator

Website designer/manager/editor. Occasional social media contributor. Read full description

Artist professional Support and Network Group Co-ordinator

This is an exciting, member enabling role. The ASNG co-ordinator helps to provide the framework for artists to meet. The role might involve running a calendar of meet ups with topics for discussion, or more informal gatherings if desired. The coordinator would be responsible for choosing the location and timings for meetings and inviting all members to come along.

Co – Art Trail Venue Co-ordinator

Sharing the Arts Trail coordinator role makes for good teamwork and lasting friendships are formed! Most of the activity takes place between February and March with occasional liaison through to the trail in May/June.

Co-ordinating the trail provides an excellent opportunity to match artists and venues so that the trail is carefully curated. Diplomacy and skilful communication is needed and an ability to match artists looking for venues to a communal setting or in the few spaces there may be available in artist houses form most of the activity. Read full description

Co – Christmas Event Co-ordinator

Sharing the Arts Trail coordinator role makes for good teamwork and lasting friendships are formed! Most of the activity takes place between February and March with occasional liaison through to the trail in May/June.

Co-ordinating the trail provides an excellent opportunity to match artists and venues so that the trail is carefully curated. Diplomacy and skillful communication is needed and an ability to match artists looking for venues to a communal setting or in the few spaces there may be available in artist houses form most of the activity.  Read full description

Join Our Mailing List

To receive updates on upcoming exhibitions and events, sign up to our email mailing list using the form below.  Note that your contact details will be stored securely, will only be used for this purpose, and will not be shared with any other parties.