The People’s Gallery

Located on the ground floor of The Forum, the gallery features a unique layout with a curved front wall that naturally guides visitors into the space, and a flat rear wall ideal for featuring bold statement pieces. It’s carefully lit and generously spaced, allowing every artwork to be seen at its best — whether it’s photography, painting, digital media or mixed installations.

Exhibitions can be tailored to either a solo artist or a shared showcase, making it a flexible and inviting venue for creatives of all styles.

A Platform for Local Creativity

The People’s Gallery operates on a carefully curated schedule, overseen by an annual Selection Panel. Each year, the panel selects a fresh and exciting programme of exhibitions aimed at celebrating a wide variety of art forms and championing emerging and established talent from Southend and beyond.

With its central location and steady footfall of students, visitors, and library-goers, the gallery provides artists with excellent exposure, while offering the public a regular rotation of stimulating, thought-provoking, and often beautiful work.

📍 Location: The Forum, Southend-on-Sea
🖼️ Best for: Art lovers, students, and curious passers-by
🎨 Exhibitions: Rotating shows featuring artists from Southend and beyond
💡 Bonus: No ticket needed — just walk in and explore!