Contemporary Kent Artists
Contemporary Kent Artists launched in October 2025 with its successful inaugural exhibition in Whitstable. However, it was born out of a long-standing idea to showcase the rich seam of artwork being produced in Kent and to highlight these artists by exhibiting and putting on related events to promote them to a wider audience.
As independent collectors and art enthusiasts’ we aim to promote Kent artists from diverse backgrounds and experience. There is a desire to create a series of events to include poetry, artist talks, performance theatre and music to supplement the theme of the art exhibition.
Contemporary Kent Artists (CKA) last year established a Kent Artist Award with key sponsor Shepherd Neame. For CKAs second exhibition, Shepherd Neame continue to sponsor and will be offering an increased cash award. We are delighted also once again to have a prize from ‘Contemporary Art Academy’. We are also pleased to offer a prize from The Muse Gallery in London. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to exhibit subsequently, in smaller gallery space in Whitstable. Finally there will a ‘People’s Choice Prize’ chosen by a popular vote by the public who visit the exhibition during its run.
CKA’s second exhibition, an Open Call, will be announced mid-April and the selected artists’ exhibition will be held in the Horsebridge, Gallery in Whitstable in October 2026.
Contemporary Kent Artists extends its sincere gratitude to all participants, guests, and partners of their 2025 exhibition and for sharing in the spirit of artistic discovery. The Open Call will be launching soon and 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.
For the second exhibition in October 2026 sponsors Shepherd Neame, Kent’s oldest brewery, will continue to present the Shepherd Neame Kent Artist Award. There will be awards for first prize, second prize and ‘people’s choice’.
CKA are delighted to be collaborating with a variety of other artists’ groups and institutions. Events will also be held to support exhibitions, these will include an artists’ Q&A, poetry events and artist talks, theatre performance and music events.
SPONSORS FOR CKA25 EXHIBITION AND EVENTS
We are proud to be working with our sponsors Shepherd Neame, Kent’s oldest brewery, to present the Shepherd NeameKent 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. Also 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.