Businesses and artists are joining forces to boost footfall in Worthing town centre this spring through a new initiative called Dwell.
The project is being led by Worthing Borough Council alongside several of the town’s leading business and creative organisations. It will see more than 30 local artists showcase their work inside 20 shops and venues between Friday 27 February and Sunday 15 March.
Traditionally, February and March are quieter months for traders, following the post-Christmas sales period and during colder, wetter weather. The initiative is designed to encourage visitors to “dwell” for longer in the town centre, browsing shops while discovering paintings, sculptures and other artwork displayed in unexpected spaces.
The idea was developed after discussions between council staff and businesses, inspired by the success of a similar scheme in Margate. The project is backed by Colonnade House, East Beach Studios, Between the Blue & Green Film Festival, Worthing Small Traders and Worthing BID. On Saturday 7 March, local DJs will also perform at the Vinyl Audio Cafe.
Councillor Sophie Cox, 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, of I Love Candy and 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."
Local artist Stacey Williams added: “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.”
If successful, organisers hope Dwell could become an annual arts collaboration for the town.
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