House of Pop! (Artists Open Houses festival)

If you’re mapping out your route for the Artists Open Houses (AOH) festival this May, especially around the Kemptown Trail, make sure you pencil in the House of Pop!. This annual exhibition, hosted by the artist Dave Pop!, is a reliable fixture of the festival, opening its doors at Flat 1, 27 New Steine, right as the AOH season begins on the weekend of Saturday, May 2nd. Following the usual festival format, the house will be open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month, often including the Bank Holiday Monday, giving you plenty of chances to visit.

The main attraction is, naturally, Dave Pop! himself. He’s known for his contemporary pop art—it’s bright, bold, and often described as having a distinctive 'seaside sauce' flavour, drawing inspiration from traditional fairground art and tattoo culture. Stepping into the House of Pop! is an experience in itself; the residence is full of colour, kitsch, and camp art, reflecting the artist’s style. While the event is part of the wider AOH festival, its primary focus is the sale of art, making it a key stop for anyone looking to acquire unique pieces that capture a specific, vibrant corner of Brighton’s culture.

Beyond Dave Pop!’s own work, the exhibition consistently features a curated selection of guest artists, ensuring a mix of media is on display. You can usually expect to see recurring contributors like Haus of Lucy, who brings her subversive ceramic and DIY pieces, and Fway Lawn, known for recycled jewellery and accessories. Other ceramicists, such as Wulfmantiki and Jo Goddard, have also been featured in previous years, adding variety to the pop art core. For planning purposes, the House of Pop! typically operates from 11:00 to 18:00. As is standard for the AOH festival, entry is generally free, allowing you to easily drop in as you explore the rest of the Kemptown art scene.