Contemporary Kent Artists
Contemporary Kent Artists launched in October 2025 with its successful inaugural exhibition in Whitstable. Our ambition was 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 this year’s exhibition.
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.
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’ (sponsored by Carole Ridley in Whitstable) and will be chosen by a public vote from visitors to the exhibition.
CKA’s second exhibition, an Open Call, opened in mid-April and closed on 20th June. Selected artists will exhibit in the Horsebridge Arts Centre, Gallery in Whitstable from 8th - 18th October 2026.
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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. Prizes have generously be sponsored by Contemporary Art Academy, The Muse Gallery and Carole Ridley. Other prizes will include a week in a gallery in Whitstable and a People’s Choice prize. We are delighted once again that Vinko will be sponsoring an event for us again this year and that Brenley Wine will be sponsoring our main exhibition Private View and Barnsole will be supporting an event.
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.