Welcome to another newsletter from everyone here at Arena. As ever, there is lots going on so let’s get started…
Exhibitions to visit
Oxford Festival of the Arts
Saturday 3rd May – Sunday 11th May
These images offer a fascinating insight into what Oxford means to those who live in or around the city, or who have a special connection to it. Abstract, figurative, representational, or unexpected, they illustrate the many possible ways of seeing Oxford—its people, the emotions it elicits, and the thoughts it inspires. One can expect a touch of humour, too.
Philip Joyce responded to the call “What is your Oxford?” and had his image “Bare Bum” accepted as part of the exhibition.
For more information please follow this link
Form Frame & Fire
This exhibition brings together four Sussex artists working in four different mediums, each offering a unique perspective through their work.
Jan Beesley is a photographer who embraces both traditional and experimental techniques to create abstract images inspired by the Sussex landscape—from the Ashdown Forest to the sea.
Jan will be exhibiting alongside Jayne Luscombe (jeweller), Chris Schneider (painter), and Charlie Todman (ceramic artist).
If you would like to meet any of the artists, there will be a Meet the Artist day with refreshments on Saturday, 24th May.
Seminar 2025 Update – Janine Weidel
If you were able to attend the seminar in March this year, you’ll remember the amazing talk given by Janine Weidel.
Janine shared several of her long-term documentary projects, one of which focused on the lives of the women involved in the Greenham Common protest.
The Story: “The Greenham Common Protest has an important place in history. When the 1987 Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was signed by the Soviet Union and the
United States, Mikhail Gorbachev paid tribute to the part played by ‘Greenham women and the peace movement of Europe’ – recognition of the profound impact a small group of women had on international attitudes towards nuclear weapons.”
Janine has asked if we could share details of her “kickstarter’ Project, the objective being to raise enough funds to finance the printing of a Book documenting this critical point in history.
Please follow this link for more details.
Arena Editions
A reminder that a new set of Arena Editions has been created, with each member using their own edition to showcase a portfolio of work that best represents their photographic passions. If you attended the seminar, you would have had the chance to look through them and enjoy the incredible content throughout these books.
Some members still have copies available. If you would like to find out more or purchase individual copies, please contact the Arena member directly by email.
That’s all for now
As we move forward, we’ll continue to keep you updated on all things Arena. Planning for the Seminar (March 6th to March 8th 2026) is well underway. It promises to be an incredible few days, especially as we pull out all the stops to mark the 40th year. The lecture theatre at the Riviera Hotel in Bournemouth was at full capacity this year and we expect demand to be even greater next year. Please watch this space…
Until next time…