All year round Brighton is a hotpot of culture and creativity. Whether it is a bright summer's day or in the depths of a ghastly grey winter there will be an innovative event just round the corner from you. With such a diverse group of inhabitants in the area there is always an interesting exhibition to wet the creative appetite of even the most sceptical critic. From young and old, new or well established artists the innovative atmosphere of East Sussex is an exhortative environment to work in, helping many up-and-coming artists flourish and find their feet. Brighton University's Grand Parade site houses and nurtures masses of talent every year in the form of painters, sculptures, animators, architects, graphic designers and illustrators. It also acts as an excellent exhibition space right on the Old Steine to hold shows and private views for student and others.

There is certainly no lack of versatility throughout Brighton. The quantity of imagineers is only superseded by the quality of their work. There are literally hundreds of companies and associations that work to encourage these artists to achieve commercial success or critical recognition. But it is not restricted to the traditional art forms. Visual communication and virtual culture are favourites of the Brighton clientele. The digital medium is becoming ever more popular with creatives, and fortunately Brighton and East Sussex cater well for this new mode of expression. With The Brighton Media Centre, The Lighthouse, The Basement and many more there is no shortage of places to demonstrate your talent. Individuals as well as collectives are encouraged to apply for funding with many of the government of local council bodies so they can further their work and curate their own exhibitions and installations. Collaboration and self promotion such as this can be a fortuitous technique to gain acknowledgement and respect from the rest of the artistic community.

Brighton's surrounding towns such as Hove and Lewes also provide a hotbed of artistic flair, resources and exhibition space with idyllic surroundings. The picturesque town of Lewes has long been a quiet retreat for painters, sculptures and installation artists of a wide and varied nature. You would be hard pressed to walk through the town and not find an interesting exhibition or inventive event to feed your mind with. Live spoken word groups and literature workshops often take place in a range of locations. As well as junior arts and crafts centres set up by motivated mums. Music festivals and mini concerts are frequently held in the parks and greens dotted through the inspiring town. The list really is endless so the best advice available to you is to check it out and get involved.