'In Conversation' talks at The Novium Museum will celebrate 60 years of Chichester's creativity

A series of 'In Conversation' style talks is taking place to accompany the latest exhibition at The Novium Museum which is celebrating 60 years of artistic and cultural achievement across the Chichester District.  

'The Art of Chichester: 60 Years of Creativity' exhibition explores the arts, culture and heritage of Chichester City and the district from 1962 — when Chichester Festival Theatre opened — to the present day, embracing professional and amateur work across all art forms. Curated by David Elliott, the exhibition tells the story of how the arts have put the city of Chichester and surrounding areas on the map.

To celebrate the exhibition, The Novium Museum has programmed a series of 'in conversation' talks with some of the city's key cultural leaders who have helped make Chichester's creative landscape what it is today:

·         17 November: From Film Society to International Film Festival: The Story
of Chichester Cinema at New Park
Roger Gibson, founder of Chichester Cinema at New Park, and Walter Francisco, its Cinema Director & Programmer, talk about the history of the cinema, from its Film Society evenings at the College to celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Film Festival, now the biggest on the south coast.

·         15 December: Art for Everyone: Empowering Creativity in the Community
Marc Steene, Director of Outside In and Claire Robinson of Chichester Community Development Trust discuss the importance of giving everyone the opportunity to experience art and be artists. In conversation with David Elliott, Curator of The Art of Chichester exhibition.

·         26 January: Chichester Festival Theatre: 60 Years of Miracle Making
Kathy Bourne, Executive Director, and Daniel Evans, Artistic Director, discuss how the Theatre has become one of the best loved and widely respected theatres in the country. In conversation with Phil Hewitt, Group Arts Editor for Sussex Newspapers.

·         9 February: Chichester and Music: from Choirs and College to University
and Youth
Ben Hall, Director, University of Chichester Conservatoire, and award-winning pianist Zoe Rahman discuss the role music has played in Chichester's arts scene. In conversation with David Elliott, Curator of The Art of Chichester exhibition.

·         23 February: Pallant House Gallery: How it has become a leading
institution for Modern British Art
Simon Martin, Director of Pallant House Gallery, traces the history of how the gallery has grown to become 'second only to the Tate for modern British art' in its 40th anniversary year. In conversation with local artist, Laura Ford.

All talks will take place at The Novium Museum from 6.30pm - 7.30pm, with an opportunity to view The Art of Chichester exhibition from 5.30pm. Tickets cost £5. Students and Seniors (over 65) are £4. People can also book three talks and get the fourth free - when purchasing online the discount is automatically applied at checkout. Advance booking is essential. For further information and to book, visit In Conversation With... Evening Talks or call 01243 816525.

Councillor Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Culture and Community Services at Chichester District Council, says: "The Art of Chichester exhibition showcases what has been an outstanding 60 years of cultural achievement for the district. The story of arts, culture and heritage reaches far and wide. We are enormously grateful to all the speakers who are contributing to this fantastic programme of talks to bring this story to life. Their influence on the cultural landscape of the district really can't be overstated."

An accompanying book written by exhibition curator David Elliott, also entitled 'The Art of Chichester: 60 Years of Creativity', is available to purchase from The Novium Museum's shop — both in store and online: 

The Novium shop (opens new window)

 'The Art of Chichester: 60 Years of Creativity' exhibition will run until 25 February 2023. Admission is free with donations gratefully received. For more information please visit: