Helm Gallery’s ‘Take The Streets’

Helm Gallery on North Road is starting its Take The Streets series this Friday, 27 February. It’s a weekly setup that runs through until the end of May, focusing on street culture and urban art in a way that feels quite different from a standard gallery visit. The gallery, located at 15 North Road, aims to create a space that’s inclusive and straightforward, moving away from the more formal atmosphere people sometimes associate with art spaces. It’s essentially a mix of a social night and an exhibition, where the local community can hang out without the usual pretension often found in traditional art circles.

On Friday nights, the gallery stays open late, with things usually kicking off around 18:00 or 19:00. They’ve lined up various DJ sets covering funk, garage, and house to set the tone while people wander through the immersive art displays. One of the more specific features of these sessions is the live tattooing by artist Skillip Mitchell, which happens right there in the gallery alongside the cocktail service. If you happen to be around on a Saturday instead, the programming shifts slightly towards live music performances, with artists like Deadright taking the stage. It’s a practical option for anyone in Brighton looking for a night out that blends music and subculture.

While the event is running, visitors can also take a look at the Rare exhibition, which includes pieces by well-known artists like Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst. Despite the high-profile names on the walls, the focus remains on the street culture theme and making the gallery feel accessible to everyone, from the creative community to those just looking for a different environment for a drink. Entry is free for all the events in the series, but because the gallery space is limited, it is recommended to book a table ahead of time by emailing drink@helm-gallery.com. The series is confirmed to run every Friday from 27 February until 29 May 2026, providing a consistent spot in the North Laine for those interested in how urban art and music intersect.