2025 – The Love That Lasts Longest Exhibition
Events and Collaborations
In 2025, we proudly presented The Love That Lasts Longest, the inaugural exhibition of Contemporary Kent Artists (CKA) at the Horsebridge Arts Centre in Whitstable. The showcase featured over 20 talented Kent-based artists exploring our theme of enduring love through a wide range of contemporary practices.
A concurrent exhibition was also held at the Bruce Williams Gallery, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the full breadth of work created by these artists.
A further selection was displayed at The Boatyard, the event space at the Duke of Cumberland, from 19 October to 2 November, extending the celebration and enabling even more art lovers to view and purchase original works.
Most of the artworks across all venues were available for sale — and many found new homes.
We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors and partners: Shepherd Neame, Contemporary Art Academy, Porto Wine Bar in Whitstable, Macknade in Faversham, and Vinko Wine Bar & Shop in Whitstable.
We were also delighted to collaborate with other local art initiatives including the Whitstable Artists Forum and East Kent Open Houses.
Below is the full timetable of events held throughout October and early November 2025 — a month-long celebration of contemporary Kent artists in all their forms.
BRUCE WILLIAMS GALLERY
CKA Artists’ Exhibition
Wednesday 8 – Monday 20 October
HORSEBRIDGE ARTS CENTRE
Main Exhibition
Wednesday 8 – Monday 20 OctoberSaturday 11 October, 3.30–4.30pm
Artist Talk with Carol Dale, Clair Meyrick, and Sue Westergaard,
led by CKA and James Gilgunn
Free entryThursday 16 October, 6.00–7.45pm
Poetry Evening hosted by Jane O’Brien
Followed by an open discussion with exhibiting artists.
THE BOATYARD, DUKE OF CUMBERLAND
Live music nights – all free entryFriday 10 October, 8.00pm — Rosko Piko
Saturday 11 October, 8.00pm — Pretending People
Friday 17 October, 8.00pm — GUM, Nudie Pics, The House That Sings
Thursday 23 October, 6.30–7.30pm — Whitstable Artists’ Forum: Artists Talk Back
“Whitstable’s Artistic Legacy” hosted by John Butterworth
Friday 24 October, 8.00pm — Secret Gig Band
Saturday 25 October, 8.00pm — Dead Pelicans
Sunday 26 October, 4.00–6.00pm — Tim Barton Duo and friends
Thursday 30 October, 6.30–7.30pm — Artists Talk Back with Liz Atkin and Kim O’Neil, hosted by Liz May
Saturday 1 November, 8.00pm — Big Orange Head
Sunday 2 November, 4.00–6.00pm — Jazz with Lynne Wallis accompanied by Steve Hennings
The 2025 season was a true celebration of art, music, and community spirit. Alongside exhibitions, we hosted engaging artist talks, poetry readings, and live performances — from returning favourites like Big Orange Head to new discoveries including GUM, the art-pop band who made their Whitstable debut.
Many of these events were run in conjunction with our friends at Whitstable Artists Forum and East Kent Open Houses.
Thank you to everyone who took part and supported The Love That Lasts Longest — it truly was a celebration of creativity that continues to inspire us.
Photos below of the events coming soon. We would love to see your too so do tag us on instagram and make sure you follow us for the most up to date news.
