The Noticeboard

INVITATION: MEGA Meet Up | 24 September | The Trevor Arms, Glynde

You are invited to the 2025 Artwave x The Makers Directory Meet Up
Wed 24 Sept | 6 - 8pm | The Trevor Arms, Glynde

The invitation is open to all members of The Makers Directory as well as everyone that has taken part in Artwave, so join us at the newly re-opened Trevor Arms in Glynde to celebrate!

This will be a wonderful opportunity to catch up, meet each other, put names to Instagram accounts, hear how Artwave was for you and have a drink at this historic Sussex pub. The Trevor Arms is a two minute walk from Glynde Station and there is free parking in the village.

Book your FREE ticket here

OPPORTUNITY: Open Bench Sessions in Ditchling Studio

Jo Starkey invites you to;
“Join me in my studio, for a relaxed, supportive Open Bench Session - a chance to work on your own painting projects in a calm, creative environment. You’ll have your own space in a light-filled room adjoining my studio, with natural light from a skylight and access to a well-equipped, studio. Book a morning, afternoon or full day session and enjoy the freedom to explore your ideas at your own pace. I’ll be on hand and available as a mentor to offer guidance, feedback, and encouragement, if needed. It’s ideal for artists seeking time with light-touch support - or for those who simply want a peaceful, independent space to work in a professional studio environment with access to quality materials.”

Cost: £40 per half day session / £60 for a full day (max 6 hours)
Location: Turner Dumbrell Workshops, Ditchling BN6 8GT
The cost includes access to materials, fresh coffee and tea, and free onsite parking. If you're looking for something more permanent or on a regular basis, please message Jo with your requirements.

Book your session direct with Jo here or to make an enquiry email info@jostarkey.co.uk and say that The Makers Directory sent you.

OPPORTUNITY: Creative Hub letting opportunity in Newhaven

Lewes District Council is inviting offers to let the whole of the new Creative Hub on the Lower Ground Floor of Unit 10 in Newhaven Square.

The Creative Hub will be for creative workspaces including co-worker and maker spaces or studios. This forms part of Lewes and Eastbourne Council’s Health & Wellbeing redevelopment project at Newhaven Square which will create a new Creative Hub space, medical practice, pharmacy and leisure facilities. This is expected to complete in Autumn 2026 and as part of this redevelopment the new creative space on the Lower Ground Floor is now being marketed for let through an Expression of Interest (informal tender) marketing process, which launched last week.

More info can be found at: Newhaven Square Health and Wellbeing Hub. To arrange a viewing a number of slots are available to book, on a first come first served basis, on the afternoon of Mon 15 Sept or morning of Thurs 18 Sept, please contact property@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

Submission deadline Fri 26 Sept, for an Expression of Interest form please email property@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk

OPPORTUNITY: Studio Space available to rent in Central Eastbourne

A bright workspace in a friendly open-plan studio ideal for a maker, jeweller or artist.

The large shared space in Blue Monkey Studio - approximately 2m x 2.5m - is on the first floor of a post-war industrial building in a commercial mews, 2 mins walk from Eastbourne station. It is currently home to a painter, sculptor, photographer and two jewellers (inc. Richard Mason, Judith Alder, JFK Turner) so you will be joining a creative environment! £140 pm with minimum 12 month commitment. Wifi and bills included.

All enquiries contact richard@richardmasonart.uk and say that The Makers Directory sent you.

SPECIAL OFFER: Artwork Photography, Giclée Printing & Mount Cutting

If you need your artworks photographed, get beautiful giclée printing done or mounts cut, then you should get in touch with Jim Holden - several Makers Directory members already have!

Jim specialises in photography and giclée reproduction using pigment inks on archival paper of paintings and other 2D artwork. He also has a NEW computerised mount cutter and is currently offering a 10% discount for members of The Makers Directory.

To claim your Makers Directory 10% discount or to explore the rates for five or more items, tell Jim you are a member and the name that you are listed under.

Jim can also:
• Create high resolution files to download of your originals, and produce prints on demand to supply to galleries and your studio sales.
• Make giclée prints of your own photographs and existing digital files printed onto the finest archival papers.
• Photograph your 3D artwork so that you can show your work in style on your website, social media or for gallery submissions.

Contact Jim at his studio on 01825 841157 / 07590 683036, or e-mail jim@jimholden.co.uk to have a chat with him about what you need. His studio is located near Lewes and has free onsite parking. There is more information about his services on his website here: jimholden.co.uk/galleries/folio/artwork-reproduction/

OPPORTUNITY: Creative Workshop Space available near Lewes

Workshop available to rent on a stunning countryside farm outside Lewes available now.

Home to a thriving community of creative makers and independent businesses (inc. Ash & Plumb, Dove & Myrtle, Field Food). This is an ideal space for independent creatives or small businesses looking for inspiration, space, and community.
• Approx. 700 sq ft (c. 4m x 17m)
• Spacious unit suitable for a variety of uses (craft, light industrial, studio, storage, etc.)
• Set among scenic surroundings in a peaceful rural location
• Vibrant, collaborative community including wood turners, carpenters, florists, caterers, artists, and events companies
• Shared communal bathroom facilities
• No deposit and no service charges
• £600 pm / paid monthly / 12 month contract

All enquiries contact Leo on 07977 444540 and say that The Makers Directory sent you.

OPPORTUNITY: Lewes High Street location available to members

We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Lewes Climate Hub, who are offering Makers Directory members the chance to use their fantastic High Street location in Lewes.

Charlotte, the Hub co-ordinator, tells us;
“Over the past two and a half years, our high-profile location at Lewes House on the High Street has allowed us to attract a wide and varied audience.

In 2026, we would like to open up the use of this wonderful central venue far more to our partner groups to use it for public-facing events to promote your work and expertise and engage a wider audience. Whatever special public events and engagement you have in mind or would like to consider, please get in touch, so we can start to build our calendar of events for 2026.”

The Climate Hub’s ethos often aligns closely with ours - especially when it comes to supporting local makers and artists. Many of our members also offer repair services or share their skills through workshops and tuition, making this a natural fit. If you’d like to take up this opportunity - and act as an ambassador for The Makers Directory - you might consider:

• Running a workshop or series of workshops to teach specific skills
• Showcasing your work there on a Saturday
• Offering an on-site repair or remaking service
• Hosting a workshop for children or young people
• Giving a talk or lecture
• Or anything else you'd like to propose!

A brief confirmation of interest by emailing info@lewesclimatehub.org is all that's necessary at this stage. The Hub is available to be open to the public Wed - Sat, 11am - 3pm (or other times by negotiation for a fee) and the Hub management team is available to provide lots of support with marketing and more.

OPPORTUNITY: Chair of The Society of Designer Craftsmen

Some of you heard Nikkan Woodhouse speak at the Glyndebourne Meet-up in the winter and she asked us to spread the word that the Society of Designer Craftsmen is seeking a new Chair(s).

Nikkan tells us;
“The SDC is at an important developmental phase in its 138 years and is seeking a new Chair to join the team. My Interim Chair role is reaching the end of a year’s term during which clear, new strategic plans have been agreed and are in the process of being operationalised. The existing Council are committed for the next two years to ensure a smooth transition.

We’re also seeking a new President as Sir Chris Frayling no longer able to be an active ambassador as he’s retreated to Cornwall.  In case you know of any possible candidates who’d like to come on board?”

If you, or someone you know, might be interested in learning more about these positions there is more info here or contact the SDC directly.

Do you have something you’d like us to shout about?
If you want to reach our rapidly growing and highly targeted creative audience in Sussex, the 550+ members listed on the Directory and our lively Instagram account, then you might consider advertising with us.
Why not have a look at the options here or drop us a line?
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