Artists and Traders Team up to Brighten Worthing Shopping Experience

The new initiative, titled Dwell, is being organised by Worthing Borough Council and a number of the borough’s key business and creative groups, and will see dozens of artists display their work prominently in town centre shops and businesses to attract visitors to pop in and browse.

Historically, traders experience a quieter February and March than other times of the year because of the post-sales hangover combined with colder, wetter weather that makes going shopping seem less appealing. The initiative is named after its aim - to get people to dwell, or spend more time, in the shopping district.

Discussions between council staff and businesses sparked the idea for Dwell after the success of a similar approach in Margate, Kent. The project is backed by Colonnade House, East Beach Studios, Between the Blue & Green Film Festival, Worthing Small Traders and Worthing BID.

The event will run from Friday 27th February to Sunday 15th March and will involve 20 businesses acting as hosts for more than 30 local artists, displaying paintings, sculptures and other artwork. On Saturday 7th March there will also be local DJs performing in the Vinyl Audio Cafe.

The aim is to celebrate local artists and show off their work while creating a vibrant, fun experience for those coming to the town centre. If the initiative is successful, it could grow to become an annual arts collaboration for the town.

Councillor Sophie Cox, the leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “We have some amazing independent shops and businesses in the town centre but they always experience a quiet time during this season.

“By working with them and with our wonderful creative sector we can celebrate together with the community what’s great about Worthing.”

Paul O’Brien, who owns the I Love Candy sweetshop and is a member of Worthing Small Traders, said: “It’s great to have a brand new event in the off-season to bring new footfall to our town centre businesses.

“We’re excited to see the art displayed in participating town centre shops, bars, cafes and other unusual places and we hope Dwell will not only help new people find new artists but also new businesses around the town."

Stacey Williams, an independent artist from Worthing, said: “Dwell is such a great idea. As a local artist I’m very excited to exhibit locally and outside of the traditional gallery space. Worthing has an exciting creative and small business community that this project is highlighting.”

To see the full list of who is taking part visit https://colonnadehouse.co.uk/dwell/