Frequently Asked Questions about Phoenix

History and Premises

Initially, the group rented some 20 workspaces in the current premises, Wellesley House. At the time, the site was planned for redevelopment and, therefore, occupation of the building was considered to be temporary.

In 1995 Phoenix became a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.

Two years later, with the support of Brighton Council and a grant from the Single Regeneration Budget, Phoenix was able to purchase the building freehold and undertake extensive internal refurbishment to create up to 100 studios, together with gallery exhibition facilities and education workshop spaces. Further grants from the Lottery and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts enabled Phoenix to repaint the building façade and install a ramp and disabled toilets.

In December 1999 Red Herring and Maze studio groups began leasing a part of the building, whilst retaining their own identities and administration. 

What facilities are provided by Phoenix?

At present Phoenix houses around 100 studios for individual artists, There are three sizes of studio, full (approx 300 sq. ft. or 28 sq. m), three-quarter (approx 225 sq. ft. or 21 sq. m) and half size (approx 150 sq. ft. or 14 sq. m).

There are also larger workspaces for short-term projects.

There are two main galleries (the North and South Galleries) plus the smaller foyer gallery and south foyer – providing approx. 75 linear metres in all.

Organisation and Governance

How is Phoenix managed?

Phoenix is managed by a Board of Trustees which employs a Management Team of part time staff who are responsible for the general management of the building, gallery and education programme.

There are ten Trustees on the Board which is chaired by John Varah, who has been involved with Phoenix since it started. The other two founding trustees are also still trustees and one is a Phoenix studio holder. All the trustees are resident in the Brighton area.

Trustees meet quarterly and consider management accounts, development and staffing issues and issues raised by the Management Team.

The Management Team comprises:

• Office Manager 
  Finance Manager
  Gallery and Education Manager
  Studio Membership Manager
  Front–of-House
  Gallery Assistant

All are involved in publicity and marketing, in relation to their area, though the regular exhibition programme is overseen by the Gallery and Education Manager.

In addition there are:

• A workshop technician
  Workshop assistant (does registration for workshops)
  2 gallery technicians Maintenance worker

See Contact for names of Trustees and Staff

How is Phoenix funded?

Phoenix receives no public revenue funding. The majority of income (75%) derives from artists’ rents, which pay for the overall running costs of the building and staff, as well as contributing to the gallery programme.

Studios rentals are charged at between £55 and £140 per month, depending on size.

The education programme raises about 20% of income and more or less breaks even. Hiring out rooms on the ground floor also generates income.

Grant income from public funding sources is sought for specific exhibitions but typically contributes less than 1% of total income.

How much studio space is available?

There are approximately 100 studios spaces available for rent in varing sizes:

Full space about 20x15 feet/6.10m x 4.57m = £120 to £140 pcm
¾ space about 15x15 feet/4.5m x 4.57m = £80 to £110 pcm
½ space about 10x15 feet/3.05 x 4.57m = £55 to £75 pcm

(Sizes vary slightly from space to space; all charges are on a sq m basis)

See Studios & Workspace for more information

What other space is available for hire?

Workspace at Phoenix is available for arts production, short-term projects, meetings, rehearsals and other arts-related activities that are not open to the public.

Ground Floor Space [Red Room and White Room]
Room size: 28 x 22 ft. (588 sq. ft.)
Ceiling height: 12.5 ft.

Artists' Project Space
Phoenix provides a dedicated studio space on the second floor for local artists to rent on a temporary basis. This service is aimed at individuals that require additional space to create artworks for projects or commissions.
Room Size: 23 x 16.5 ft. (380 sq. ft.)
Ceiling height: 9 ft.

see Studios and Workspace for pricing.

What is the gallery exhibition policy?

Phoenix Gallery Vision

Phoenix Gallery presents a high profile public programme of diverse and stimulating contemporary art exhibitions and events in a distinctive, dynamic space.

Gallery Aims

		Present a curated programme of diverse and stimulating contemporary art exhibitions, activities and events in all media
		Provide a showcase for emerging and established artists from the UK and beyond, whose work demonstrates excellence and imagination
		Create a dynamic and innovative space in which experimentation, dialogue and collaboration are encouraged and supported
		Offer an integrated programme of educational activities which facilitate dialogue between professional artists and the public.
		Serve as the public interface of Phoenix Brighton through presenting unique and distinctive exhibitions which are of interest to local, as well as national and international audiences.
		Create new opportunities for artists through initiating exhibitions and projects that contribute to their artistic and professional development.
		Play a central role in fulfilling Phoenix’s charitable objectives of promoting the Arts and advancing public education in the appreciation, production and practice of the Arts.

Gallery Programming

The exhibition programme comprises approximately 6 shows per year, including 4 “core” exhibitions which are accompanied by an integrated programme of educational activities, and two or more flexible exhibitions and events of varying duration. 

Exhibitions range from one-person to group shows and these are selected through an application process. Phoenix also devises and curates some exhibitions, and works in partnership with local and national initiatives to develop special gallery projects.

Artists, exhibition organisers and curators who wish to contribute to the programme are invited to register an initial expression of interest [click to download details]. This information is reviewed on an ongoing basis, and kept on file for up to 12 months. Applicants will be contacted if an opportunity arises for which their work may be suitable. In such cases, further information and a full proposal is requested, and a shortlist of applications are reviewed by the gallery committee at programming meetings held at intervals throughout the year.

The gallery Committee consists of a trustee, members of staff, associate members, representatives from funding bodies and other arts organisations where relevant, and an external adviser (6-8 people in all). The group meets to discuss the content and structure of the forthcoming exhibitions programme, reviews proposals and provides feedback and advice to the Gallery Manager, who makes the final programming decisions. Exhibitions are scheduled 5 months to 2 years in advance.

Funding and Logistics

At present the gallery does not receive regular funding for its programmes, and although Phoenix subsidises the major exhibition costs, it may be necessary for exhibitors to contribute a nominal amount towards overheads. Artists currently contribute £200 - £500 depending on the space and number of exhibitors involved.  Phoenix can advise and support artists on applying for funding to meet their expenses.  In special cases, Phoenix may be in a position to fundraise for a particular project.

The gallery undertakes all marketing and publicity for exhibitions, including postcards or brochures, prominent displays on the Phoenix website, press releases and e-invites. It also oversees invigilation, signage and general presentation.  Installation of work is carried out by exhibiting artists, with input and help from Phoenix staff.  Exhibitors cover their own production and transport expenses. Where applicable, Phoenix takes a 10% commission on work sold.

Can anyone attend courses run by Phoenix?

Yes, although certain courses are for young people only. You will need to register for each course in advance. For a list of courses and dates see Courses from where you can download a registration form.

How do I register for a course?

Download a registration form this website and return the completed form to Phoenix. See Courses for details of courses available and to download a form.

What materials do I need to bring to a course?

The course description will tell you if you need to bring along or purchase materials for the course. Otherwise, basic materials will be provided by the tutor.

I'm going to Cannes in the middle of a course and will miss 2 sessions. Can I pay for only the sessions I attend?

No, you must pay for the whole course. We only just cover our costs through registration fees and a course only goes ahead if enough students sign up so we cannot refund fees once paid.

I just found out about a course and have missed the first 2 sessions. Can I still join, and do I have to pay the full rate?

If there are spaces available, we can put you in touch with the tutor and if he/she feels you can catch up then you can still enrol on the course. You will be required to pay the full rate, less the two sessions missed plus an admin fee of £5. eg; if £100 is the full rate for 10 sessions then your pay £100 less £20 for the two missed plus £5 admin = £85

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