Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year Returns with Celebrity Sitters and Live Painting Competition

Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year returns on Saturday 28 March 2026, bringing together artists from across the region for a live portrait competition celebrating Sussex's creative talent.

Organised by Chichester Creative Art Network, the not-for-profit organisation supporting artists across Sussex, the event will see nine Sussex artists compete in a four-hour portrait challenge, painting three guest sitters live in front of an audience and a panel of judges.

The sitters include Rich Miller, ceramicist and judge on Channel 4s The Great Pottery Throw Down, musician and artist Jeremy Cunningham of the band The Levellers, and Councillor Cathy Glynn-Davies, Mayor of Worthing.

Guest judges Sara Reeve, Matt Murphy and Kelly Miller will assess the portraits before selecting the winner of the title Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year 2026.

Following a sellout event last year, the competition continues to grow as a platform for artists across the region. Audiences will have the opportunity to watch the creative process unfold in real time, from the first marks on the canvas through to the finished portraits.

Created by Chichester Creative Art Network as part of its mission to support artists and strengthen connections across the Sussex creative community, the event brings together artists, audiences and cultural figures for a unique afternoon celebrating portraiture.

Event Details

Sussex Portrait Artist of the Year 2026 Saturday 28 March 2026 16pm The Venue, Worthing

Tickets available here