New gallery opens in Haywards Heath leisure centre

The partnership with Freedom Leisure, who run the Pasture Hill Road centre, was set up by experienced curator Nigel Ryan, who is an arts consultant and director of the Creative Reach Consultancy.

The plan is to have artwork on display at the new Gallery 16 by local artists all year round.

Mayor of Haywards Heath John Sabin said: “I think this is a superb initiative and one that Haywards Heath welcomes. The Town Council are in full support of any ideas like this that embrace art and culture, enhance the resident and visitor experience and help to raise the profile of Haywards Heath. There is currently a trail of artworks in local shops around the town center organized by Haywards Heath CIC that is also very exciting. These are great examples of art and business working with the community.”

The first personto exhibit is abstract landscape artist Lorna Holdcroft. Her work will also be featured in the forthcoming Lindfield Arts Festival in May.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be to working with Creative Reach and Freedom Leisure. It is such an exciting opportunity. Gallery 16 is the perfect platform not only to exhibit my paintings, but to share techniques in a variety of media through demonstration and encourage discussion about art.”

Gallery 16, named after the postcode, is at The Dolphin Centre members lounge.