Victoria Pavilion Arts

01/06/2026

Oh Dear!
It has just come to my attention ( luckily before any printing jobs were finalised) that our summer exhibition entitled “Sense of Place’ coincides with an exhibition in Chichester of the same name. Lovely as it is to know that VPA has it’s finger on the cultural zeitgeist button - to avoid confusion, and because Pallant House Gallery almost certainly has a MUCH bigger publicity budget than we do, I have decided to change the title. We will of course be retaining the same brief - exploring
the same themes of belonging, memory, environment, connection, and lived experience while giving the exhibition a distinctive identity.

For Victoria Pavilion Arts, considering the Arts for Wellbeing context and the brief’s emphasis on nurture, connection, and community, my possible alternative suggestions are :

A PLACE TO BE
IN THIS PLACE
SHARED GROUND
HOLDING GROUND
GROUNDED IN PLACE ( which was on the original list)
WHERE WE MEET
COMMON GROUND

So what do you think - comments please ? Or shall we just stick with it? 😬

Beautiful artwork courtesy of Laura Darling

26/05/2026

🌿 SLOW LEARNING — Rag Rug Making

Take time out, learn a new skill, and create something beautiful from recycled fabrics ♻️✨

Join textile artist Gail for our next Slow Learning short course and discover the traditional craft of rag rug making. Using simple techniques and repurposed materials, you'll create your own unique rug, cushion cover, or wall hanging while enjoying a relaxed and supportive creative environment.

Our Slow Learning Sessions prioritise time, reflection, and shared experience. Rather than rushing towards an outcome, participants are encouraged to learn at their own pace, connect with others, and enjoy the process of making. Led by professional artists, these small-group courses offer a welcoming space to build confidence, develop skills, and support wellbeing through creativity.

EVERY WEDNESDAY
FROM 3rd - 24th June
2 - 4 pm

Bring along:�
✂️ A large pair of sharp scissors�
👕 Any unwanted t-shirts, sweatshirts or fleece tops you'd like to recycle
We'll provide a selection of additional fabrics, all materials, tools and refreshments.
✨ 4 relaxed sessions
�✨ £50 including materials and refreshments�
✨ No experience necessary
💛 Are you a carer? We can provide care for your loved one while you enjoy the session.
📍 Victoria Pavilion Arts, Uckfield
�📩 Places are limited and booking is essential. use link below to book
https://pci.jotform.com/form/260503499038359

20/05/2026

**QUICK, LAST FEW TICKETS REMAINING!**

Want to support your favourite social enterprise in Uckfield? (That's us by the way)....
Want a fun night out with your friends?
Want someone else to cook your tea?
Then come along to our fundraising QUIZ NIGHT!!!!

Running from 6pm - 10pm you will be entertained with fabulous company, brilliant head scratching questions and a delicious two course meal, all for the bargain price of £15.00 a ticket, with all profits going to the Sussex Support Service projects!

Book Here -

Please click the link to complete this form.

19/05/2026

This week is Creativity & Wellbeing Week and this year's theme is ‘critical hope’, a term coined by Paulo Freire’ to mean, not a passive optimism, but an active belief that things can improve, alongside practical opportunities to help make that happen.

And like oak trees, sometimes hope begins with very small things: attending a session after a difficult week, making something with your hands, having a conversation over tea, or simply feeling seen and supported. These moments matter. Over time, they help people imagine a future that feels brighter, more connected and more possible.
For us at VPA, creativity is not a luxury — it is a powerful tool for wellbeing, connection and positive change.

Tree of Life plaque created by Donna Keeys French and facilitated by local ceramicist Katharine Rabson Stark

18/05/2026

A HUGE thank you to the wonderful Helen & Joe Etchingwoof secure dog walking area for hosting a fundraising Quiz Night for Victoria Pavilion Arts ❤️

We’re absolutely thrilled to say the evening raised a whopping £500 for our Arts for Wellbeing Programme. It was lovely relaxed and fun night — and I’m pleased to report that the VPA team came a very respectable 2nd place! 🏆

Big thanks too to Gavin Absolom for being a brilliant quiz master, alongside his marvellous assistants Penelope Parker and Zac, and of course to everyone who came along to support us.

Etching Wood is a truly special place run by wonderfully community-minded people. If you have a dog, do check out their secure woodland dog walking space — and don’t leave without picking up some fantastic free-range eggs from their flock too 🐓🥚

Thank you all for supporting creativity, connection and wellbeing in our community.




Sussex Support Service

16/05/2026

Finally, as I reflect on the last 4 years of Victoria Pavilion Arts, I know it has been an incredible journey so far. Along the way, we have built a growing team of dedicated artist facilitators whose skill, talent and generosity enable others to experience the many benefits of creativity. We are also supported by an amazing team of volunteers who help make our events welcoming, inclusive and successful ( far too many of either to show here - but we know who you are !) And of course, there is our ever-growing community of participants and visitors, who come from all walks of life but are connected through a shared love of creativity.

So as we celebrate this 4 year milestone, I want to thank everyone who has been part of the journey so far — our facilitators, volunteers, artists, participants, visitors and supporters. Your enthusiasm, creativity and belief in what we do have helped shape Victoria Pavilion Arts into the vibrant, welcoming and inspiring community it is today.
Here’s to the next chapter of creativity, connection and wellbeing together.



@ Brand - Arty LadyPPostcode Lottery UKWWealden District CouncilSSussex Support ServiceccarolinemartinartPPenelope ParkerTTom Chapman

11/05/2026

A GOOD EXCUSE FOR CAKE 🎂

This week marks the 4th anniversary of Victoria Pavilion Arts and our original Monday Group were ready to celebrate !

When we first launched the project in 2022, we were running just one Arts for Wellbeing session each week. Four years later, we now deliver four weekly sessions, including a dedicated youth arts group. Alongside this, we host monthly weekend workshops and a regular programme of exhibitions, art fairs and craft markets. Demand for our activities continues to grow — in fact, we are now quite literally bursting at our creative seams.

For the past four years, Victoria Pavilion Arts has supported positive mental health and wellbeing in our community through creativity. Our sessions encourage connection, confidence, mutual support and self-discovery, helping people build resilience and improve wellbeing through shared creative experiences



@ Lottery UKWWealden District Council