Resident Show 2026 – 5th – 14th March
A collaborative exhibition showcasing artwork, photography and personal reflections from Sun Pier House resident artists, offering a behind-the-scenes look at studio life.
What really happens inside an artist’s studio?
For our 2026 Residents’ Show, we’re opening the doors and telling our story.
This year, we’re sharing more than finished artworks. We’re sharing the everyday lives of our artists at Sun Pier House.
Armed with disposable cameras, residents documented their daily life at Sun Pier House. Capturing their creative process, studio spaces, unfinished ideas, moments of connection, quiet routines, community workshops, and the view from their chair.
Together, these works create a portrait of our building and the people who bring it to life.
Gallery & Café Opening Times
- Thursday 5th March 10am – 4pm
- Friday 6th March 10am – 4pm
- Saturday 7th March 10am – 4pm
- Thursday 12th March 10am – 8pm (Gallery Lates)
- Friday 13th March 10am – 4pm
- Saturday 14th March 10am – 4pm
Our Artists & Creative Community
Sun Pier House is home to 28 working studios shared by 33 professional artists and makers. Undoubtedly forming one of the most diverse and vibrant creative communities on the riverside.
Our residents represent a wide range of contemporary art and craft practices. Within our building you’ll find a tattooist, stop-motion animator, silversmith, performance artist, milliner, illustrator, graphic designer, painter, photographer and many more creative professionals working across disciplines.
Together, our residents reflect the strength and diversity of contemporary creative practice today. With every visit to Sun Pier House, you are not just stepping into a gallery, you are entering a working community of artists and makers shaping the cultural life of our area every day.
“Sun Pier House is in a delightful location right next to the River Medway. From my studio I can look out of the large windows onto the Sun Pier and down the river towards the Historic Dockyards. This in itself provides an inspiring environment for creativity.”
“Sun Pier House gives me a space where I can concentrate , without distraction on my art . It is a great place to have a studio”
“The great, inspiring location, the river and the rich variety of birdlife, which I have visually documented the sense of community and the many interesting and talented people I’ve met over the years in this building, sharing thoughts, ideas and laughs and making good friends”
“Having the best time since I joined as a resident in August 2025. I feel very lucky to be amongst such supportive and caring staff, as well as such talented artists who continue to inspire me greatly”
“My Stop Motion Animation work before coming to Sun Pier was a solitary experience. Now I see fellow artists whenever I’m in which can be all times of the day. It’s great to have neighbours with advice and even an extra set of hands for large tricky creations.”
“It’s introduced me to a vibrant and supportive community of fellow creatives and small businesses, providing me with opportunities I’d not otherwise have had. Working with a view of the river is idyllic and it’s become my home away from home, where I can immerse myself in my craft.”
About the Studios
In 2013, we transformed two empty commercial buildings into a thriving arts space, now home to 28 studio units spread across three floors.
Our very first studio resident moved in at the start of our journey in January 2013, and since then, we’ve welcomed over a hundred artists into our creative community.
Each studio varies in size but all benefit from large windows with stunning views of the River Medway, the perfect source of inspiration.
Exhibitions at The Riverside Gallery
Located in the heart of Chatham’s vibrant cultural quarter, Sun Pier House is a dynamic riverside arts venue where creativity comes to life. Overlooking the tranquil River Medway, our light-filled gallery spaces provide a striking and ever-changing backdrop for an exciting programme of exhibitions, installations, and community-led art projects.
Have a look at what’s coming up next in the Riverside Gallery!
Fancy stepping inside the Studios?
Once a year, our residents open their doors to the public, showcasing their work and sharing insights into their creative process. Held in July each year, the festival can be approached as an arts trail, with many studios grouped together within walking distance. Coupled with a prize draw for visitors who collect the signatures of studios they visit in the festival brochure.
Saturday 4th July – Sunday 19th July 2026
