Contemporary Kent Artists
Contemporary Kent Artists is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of its inaugural exhibition series in Whitstable, where a vibrant community of artists, poets, and musicians came together. The theme of the 2025 exhibition responded to part of a quote ‘The Love That Lasts Longest’ from W. Somerset Maugham. Across venues including The Horsebridge Arts Centre, Bruce Williams Gallery and new exhbiting space in The Boatyard, Duke of Cumberland, the programme became a focal point for creative dialogue and collaboration, with events, performances, and spirited discussions amplifying the town’s unique artistic energy.
Whitstable once again joined the wider East Kent Open Houses to bring a vibrant artistic energy to the East Kent region and Contemporary Kent Artists were delighted to be part of celebrating art in the region. It was wonderful to witness the buzz that grew around the exhibitions, as visitors engaged with the works, cast votes for their favourites, and joined artists talks and packed poetry events celebrating the complexity and beauty of the theme.
This year’s inaugural Shepherd Neame Kent Artist Award was presented to Margate-based artist @Shringi Kumari, while @liz_atkin took home both the second prize, sponsored by Contemporary Art Academy and the People’s Choice prize for her thought-provoking piece. The attention and acclaim from press and public alike underlined the importance of community in shaping contemporary creativity.
Contemporary Kent Artists extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, guests, and partners for sharing in the spirit of artistic discovery. With plans now underway for the 2026 exhibition and details of the next open call or application process to be revealed end of January, we invite everyone to follow @contemporary_kent_artists and our collaborators on Instagram for the latest news and opportunities.
CONTEMPORARY KENT ARTISTS (CKA) MISSION
Contemporary Kent Artists (CKA) aim to host exhibitions which invite artists from across Kent to come together to showcase the rich seam of artwork being produced in Kent. Artists will be invited to participate from diverse backgrounds and experience. The exhibitions aim to promote Kent artists to wider audiences and enhance their visibility. CKA will work with sponsor Shepherd Neame to offer a Kent art award. There will be awards for first prize, second prize and ‘people’s choice’.
For the second exhibition in October 2026 sponsors Shepherd Neame, Kent’s oldest brewery, will continue to present the Shepherd Neame Kent Art Award.
CKA are delighted to be collaborating with a variety of other artists’ groups and institutions. Events will also be held to support exhibitions, these to include an artists’ Q&A, poetry events and artist talks.
PREVIOUS SPONSORS
We are proud to be working with our sponsors Shepherd Neame, Kent’s oldest brewery, to present the Shepherd Neame Kent Art Award. The second prize has been generously donated by Contemporary Art Academy in London. We would like to thank our sponsors for the People’s Choice Award Porto, wine bar in Whitstable, and Macknade in Faversham for their generous support and Vinko, wine bar and shop and Nomad Pizzas in Whitstable for generously sponsoring and hosting the Private View at Bruce Williams’s Gallery and The Offy for their support too.
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