Artists Open Houses - House of Pop

May in Brighton usually brings a shift in the city's rhythm, and for the next few weeks, that means the return of the Artists Open Houses festival. It is a fairly unique setup where local artists and makers open up their own homes to the public. Instead of visiting a traditional gallery or a sterile exhibition space, you end up walking into living rooms, studios, and kitchens across the city to see how people live and work. It is a straightforward concept: the doors are open, the art is on display, and everything you see is available to buy directly from the person who made it.

The festival runs throughout the entire month of May, specifically focusing on the weekends. Because it is city-wide, the experience changes depending on which neighbourhood you decide to explore. While there are many locations involved, one specific spot confirmed for this year is the 'House of Pop'. You can find it at 27 New Steine, which is part of the Kemptown Trail. They are keeping their doors open from 11:00 to 18:00 every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month. It is a good example of the kind of space you can expect to find—a residential setting that doubles as a temporary gallery.

If you are planning to head out, it is worth noting that access to these houses is generally free. The primary focus is on the sale of artwork, so you are essentially browsing through someone's personal collection or current projects. It is a relaxed way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, especially if you are interested in seeing what local creatives are working on right now. Since the festival spans the whole city, it is usually best to pick a specific trail or area to focus on rather than trying to see everything at once. It is a low-pressure environment, and you can simply walk in, look around, and chat with the artists if they are around, which is often the most interesting part of the visit.