Rockwater boss Luke Davis will be opening a huge contemporary art gallery in the centre of Brighton with curator friend Eden Maseyk.
He hopes the new “artistic landmark” will rejuvinate the art scene in the city, celebrating local artists and his eclectic collection across 7,000 square feet.
Called Helm, he said the name is inspired by the old city name Brighthelmstone, and “taking the helm” with a new approach to appreciating art.
Luke said: “Helm is about creating a new kind of welcoming and dynamic space where art is more than displayed, it’s actually enjoyed and brought to life.
“Brighton is such an incredible place with so much culture and energy and I can’t think of a better place to launch Helm and breathe new life into the art scene here and beyond.”
He forked out some £1m of his own money into Helm, in what he told The Argus was his biggest personal investment.
The space is on the corner of Jubilee Street and North Road as a new addition to the North Laine Cultural Quarter.
From traditional paint-on-canvas works to augmented reality pieces, the gallery will explore a range of mediums with constantly changing exhibitions with featured artists from Brighton and further afield.
Eden said: “Brighton has long been a city at the forefront of creativity, an artistic hub that really allows creatives to connect to an open minded audience.
“Our intention is to extend this heritage into the next generation and build a much-needed contemporary art space for the city. ”
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Visitors will be welcomed into the space with a sleek bar area offering Helm branded lager, which they can drink while appreciating the works inside.
Luke said: “My experiences of galleries is that they are quite a weird environment. You stand there, and look at the art. But I think the idea of a bar when you walk in softens the whole experience.
“You have an emotional reaction rather than a clinical transaction with the art.”
Events from music, painting classes and artist talks will be held at the venue, which stays open well into the evening.
“Helm will welcome the whole community to share our space in whatever way they wish,” Eden added.
The inagural exhibition, Made You Look, has a range of artworks from photography to pop art from creatives such as Andy Doig, Aroe and Will Blood.
It will open to the public from Saturday, September 9, all week from 10am and 6pm Sunday to Tuesday, and until 10pm from Wednesday to Saturday with free entry.
Luke hopes the gallery will help to expand the art collection inside his Rockwater venues on Hove Seafront and in Bournemouth.
He told The Argus: “We essentially have three galleries. We have Helm and then the two Rockwater sites.
“Hopefully this will elevate the artwork there too, and bring more art lovers to the area.”
