Our Belief
BN1 Arts Centre was born from a simple belief: Creativity changes lives.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to create, regardless of age, experience, background or circumstance.
Established in 2023, BN1 Arts Centre was created to remove barriers to participation, making high-quality creative experiences accessible, affordable and welcoming for everyone.
As an artist-led, multi-disciplinary creative arts centre, we nurture creativity, develop artists, bring communities together and create opportunities that enrich lives.
From professional theatre productions to family choirs, emerging artists to community showcases, BN1 Arts Centre is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can create, collaborate, perform and belong.
Our Promise
We create opportunities that make creativity possible.
We don't simply present the arts. We create the opportunities, spaces and support that enable creativity to flourish.
We design and deliver professional and community - driven activities that empower individuals, nurture talent and strengthen social connections.
We Believe...
We believe creativity belongs to everyone.
We believe opportunity should never depend on circumstance.
We believe artists and communities grow stronger together.
We believe every generation has something to learn from another.
We believe creativity builds confidence, connection and wellbeing.
We believe great art begins with people.
Singers' Night
A Celebration of Live Music, Community and Great Voices
Singers' Night is BN1 Arts Centre's bi-monthly live music event, bringing together singers of all ages, backgrounds and musical styles to perform alongside the BN1 House Band in a relaxed, supportive and inspiring environment.
Whether you sing Soul, Funk, Reggae, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Rock, Pop or original music, Singers' Night is an opportunity to share your voice, develop your performance skills and connect with other musicians and music lovers.
Our stage welcomes everyone—from emerging singers taking their first steps in front of an audience to experienced performers looking to try new material or simply enjoy the thrill of live performance.
At BN1 Arts Centre we believe music is about connection as much as performance. Every Singers' Night celebrates the diversity of our local creative community, creating an atmosphere that is encouraging, welcoming and full of energy.
Whether you're performing or simply coming along to enjoy an evening of exceptional live music, you'll experience an event where creativity, community and collaboration come together.
Why Singers' Night?
More than an open mic, Singers' Night is a professional yet welcoming platform where singers can build confidence, collaborate with outstanding musicians, meet other creatives and become part of Brighton's growing musical community.
HOW TO APPLY
If you'd like to perform, simply email artscentre@bn1arts.co.uk with:
- Two song choices: one up-tempo and one ballad
- Sheet music (if available)
- The key you'd like each song performed in
- Depending on the number of performers, you'll be invited to perform one or both of your chosen songs.
If you're performing an original song, please send your music in advance so the BN1 House Band has time to prepare and bring your work to life.
Youth Spotlight
A Professional Showcase for Emerging Artists (18–23)
Youth Spotlight is BN1 Arts Centre's bi-monthly showcase platform for exceptional young artists ready to share completed work in front of a live audience.
Whether you're a musician, singer-songwriter, theatre maker, comedian, dancer or choreographer, Youth Spotlight provides the opportunity to present your work in a professional venue without the financial barriers of hiring a performance space.
This is not a work-in-progress event. It is a platform for artists who are ready to perform finished work and begin building their professional profile.
Each selected artist will receive:
- A professionally managed performance at BN1 Arts Centre
- Free use of one of our intimate performance spaces
- Rehearsal space during the week leading up to the event
- Technical support on the day of performance
- A professional sound check or dress rehearsal
- 250 professionally printed flyers
- A digital flyer for social media promotion
Artists are encouraged to take ownership of their event by inviting friends, family, industry professionals, promoters, programmers and fellow creatives. Youth Spotlight is designed not only as a performance opportunity, but as a place where meaningful conversations, collaborations and future opportunities can begin.
Performances take place every two months in either one of our Studio Theatres or our Reception Bar performance space, depending on the nature of the work.
Our intimate venue seats approximately 35 audience members, creating an engaging environment where artists and audiences can genuinely connect.
Why Youth Spotlight?
Breaking into the creative industries can be difficult, especially when venue hire, marketing and performance opportunities are expensive and hard to access.
Youth Spotlight exists to remove some of those barriers by giving emerging artists a professional platform to perform, build audiences, make industry connections and take the next step in their creative journey.
How to Apply
If you have a completed piece of work that you would like to showcase, we'd love to hear from you.
Please Email your application to: artscentre@bn1arts.co.uk with
- Your name and email address
- A video of the work you wish to perform
- A short description of the performance
- A brief artist biography
Writing for Stage, Screen & Story
How do I tell my story?
Everyone has a story to tell. This six-week course is designed to help you discover the tools, techniques and confidence to bring your ideas to life, whether your ambition is to write for the stage, television or fiction.
Led by experienced professional writers, each two-week block explores a different form of storytelling, giving participants practical skills and creative insight into writing for performance and publication.
No previous writing experience is required—just curiosity, imagination and a willingness to write.
Places are limited to just 15 participants to ensure a supportive and interactive learning environment. Thanks to Arts Council England funding, this course is heavily subsidised and costs just £30 for the full six-week programme.
Course Structure
Weeks 1 & 2 - Writing for Stage
Explore the fundamentals of dramatic writing and discover how stories come alive in the theatre.
Topics may include:
- Story telling for performance
- Character & Voice
- Dialogue & Subtext
- Structure & Dramatic Tension
- Writing for Actors
- From Page to Performance
Weeks 3 & 4 - Writing for Screen
Learn how television and film scripts differ from theatre and develop an understanding of visual storytelling.
Topics may include:
- Screen Story Structure
- Visual Storytelling
- Writing Dynamic Scenes
- Character Arcs
- Writing for Television
- Formatting & Industry Practice
Weeks 5 & 6 - Short Story & Novel Writing
Develop compelling characters, narrative voice and storytelling techniques for fiction.
Topics may include:
- Finding Your Voice
- Character Development
- Creating Setting
- Plot & Structure
- Editing Your Work
- Preparing for Publication
Throughout the course participants will write, share ideas, receive constructive feedback and develop practical skills that can support further study, creative practice or professional development.
Whether you dream of writing your first play, television script or novel—or simply want to explore your creativity—this course offers an inspiring place to begin.
How To Apply
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register your interest, please email:
Marketing Your Creativity
How do I find my audience?
Learning how to promote your creativity is as important as creating it.
Creating great work is only part of the journey. Every artist also needs to know how to share it with the world.
This practical six-week course is designed for artists, performers, writers, musicians, freelancers and creative entrepreneurs who want to build their profile, grow their audience and confidently promote their work.
Using free and accessible digital tools, participants will develop a personal brand, create a professional online presence and learn practical marketing skills that can be applied immediately.
No previous marketing experience is required.
Places are limited to just 15 participants to ensure a supportive and interactive learning environment. Thanks to Arts Council England funding, this course is heavily subsidised and costs just £30 for the full six-week programme.
What You'll Learn
- Discover your creative identity and personal brand
- Build your own website using a free website platform
- Create engaging content for social media
- Understand the basics of branding and visual identity
- Learn how to promote performances, exhibitions and creative projects
- Develop confidence in talking about your work
- Understand mailing lists, newsletters and audience engagement
- Build a practical marketing plan you can continue using after the course
By the end of the programme, participants will leave with:
- A live personal website
- A clear creative identity
- Practical marketing skills
- Greater confidence in promoting themselves and their work
- A personalised action plan for developing their creative career
- Whether you're launching your first project or looking to build your existing profile, this course will give you the tools to help your creativity reach the people it's intended for.
How To Apply
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To register your interest, please email:
Winter & Spring Showcase.
How do I share what I've created?
Our Winter & Spring Community Showcases are a celebration of everything we create together at BN1 Arts Centre.
Bringing together participants from across our programmes, these special performances showcase the creativity, confidence and community that have grown throughout the year.
Expect performances from our Soul A Cappella Family Choir, artists from Youth Spotlight and Singers' Night, readings from our Writing for Stage, Screen & Story course, dance performances from our evening classes, participant testimonials and appearances from special guest artists.
Whether you're performing for the first time or returning to the stage, our showcases provide a welcoming and supportive environment to celebrate your creative journey with family, friends and the wider community.
More than a performance, these evenings celebrate creativity, collaboration and everything that makes BN1 Arts Centre a place where people can create, connect and grow.
Dates will be announced soon.
Register Your Interest
To receive updates and be the first to hear when dates are released, please email:
Family Creative Arts Taster Weekenders
Where can we be creative together?
Our Family Creative Arts Taster Weekenders are designed to introduce individuals and families to the wide range of creative opportunities available at BN1 Arts Centre.
Across the weekend, you'll be able to explore a variety of fun, accessible taster sessions suitable for all ages and abilities. Whether you're discovering something completely new or rediscovering a forgotten passion, there's something for everyone.
While your children enjoy arts and crafts, music-making or creative workshops, you might choose to experience a Sound Bath, an Adult Boogie dance class or another activity designed especially for adults. Families can also explore activities together, including Tap Dance, Aerial Arts and our Soul A Cappella Family Choir.
Whether you come as an individual, a couple or a family, our aim is simple: to help you discover new skills, meet new people and experience the joy of creativity together.
Dates will be announced soon.
Register Your Interest
To receive updates and be the first to hear when dates are released, please email: