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INSIDE OUT AND ABOUT
East Beach Studios
Following my visit to East Beach Studios last month, it is safe to say that it is a must-visit space for you and your family this summer� There is something there for everyone!
Esme Wakeford
N
estled along the coastline, East Beach Studios stands as a testament to the creative spirit and community-driven ethos of Worthing’s local art scene� Formerly beach huts rented by the public, these charming spaces were transformed into art studios about 15 years ago by the previous owner of Coast Café� Today, Beth and Angie (pictured above), two passionate artists run this unique venture, which has become a thriving hub for independent artists� At East Beach Studio, the concept of community is at the heart of everything they do� The studios have evolved from just traditional long-term rentals to a mix of month-to-month pop-up studios and long-term rentals, ensuring a dynamic environment where artists can flourish� The studios are open from Thursday to Saturday, with artists in each studio present during those days, fostering a unique sense of camaraderie while allowing the public to engage directly with the creators� Beth explains, “A lot of people here
have relationships with locals who might be walking their dog or doing their daily walk, so there are always conversations, and it’s a proper community. We’re a bit like a dysfunctional family!” The history of East Beach Studios is intertwined with the evolution of the Worthing art scene� When Coast changed ownership three and a half years ago, the new proprietor decided not to continue with the studios� Therefore Beth, who started as an artist here nine years ago, took it upon herself to preserve this artistic haven alongside Angie� They introduced new systems, quality control measures and mentoring programs to create a cohesive and supportive environment for artists at different levels of experience� The studio owners are actively involved in mentoring and supporting artists, particularly those who are exhibiting for the first time� From framing and pricing artwork to developing social media presence, Beth and Angie provide guidance and instil confidence in the artists� We focus on two of the artists�