Focal Point Gallery
A vibrant hub for contemporary art, specializing in photography and conceptual film, with engaging workshops and outdoor screenings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative viewing.
Focal Point Gallery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more contemplative viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub for contemporary art, specializing in photography and conceptual film, with engaging workshops and outdoor screenings.
"A fabulous community space offering lots of projects for people to get involved with."
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to Focal Point Gallery is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
Check for Film Screenings :movie_camera:
The Big Screen often shows short films and digital art; check schedules for unique outdoor viewing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Current Exhibitions
Main Gallery Spaces
Discover diverse contemporary art, from photography to conceptual film, offering fresh perspectives.
Big Screen Southend
Exterior of the Gallery
Experience outdoor film screenings and digital art on a large scale, often featuring local creatives.
+1
Creative Workshops
Gallery Workshop Areas
Engage with art through hands-on workshops, often led by exhibiting artists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Contemporary Art
Check Exhibition Schedules
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to Focal Point Gallery is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
Check for Film Screenings :movie_camera:
The Big Screen often shows short films and digital art; check schedules for unique outdoor viewing.
Engage with Workshops :art:
Participate in creative workshops for a hands-on art experience.
Explore Southend :world_map:
Combine your gallery visit with exploring Southend Pier or Adventure Island nearby.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to Focal Point Gallery is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for everyone.
Check for Film Screenings :movie_camera:
The Big Screen often shows short films and digital art; check schedules for unique outdoor viewing.
Engage with Workshops :art:
Participate in creative workshops for a hands-on art experience.
Explore Southend :world_map:
Combine your gallery visit with exploring Southend Pier or Adventure Island nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Focal Point Gallery for its engaging contemporary art exhibitions, particularly in photography and film. The gallery is lauded as a welcoming, inclusive community space that offers valuable workshops and events. While specific dislikes are not prominent, some may find the contemporary nature of the art challenging.
"Can I just say what a well planned event City Jam was and Focal Point Gallery played a huge part in allowing artists to interact with members of the public in the workshop sessions outside the venue.
A huge credit to everyone that made the event happen from the Council being supportive to the organisers and artists from all over the world.
I was blown away by the artwork and how friendly everyone was.
I will 100% be back next year."
Jonnie M
"As a Contemporary Elder member, we receive free workshops and great social life, thanks Kim.
Our 1st exhibition opens there soon"
lynne Overend
"Great contemporary art gallery that hosts wide range of exhibitions of work in different disciplines."
Adrian Lane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Focal Point Gallery is located in Southend-on-Sea. It's easily accessible by train from London, with Southend Victoria and Southend Central stations a short walk away. The gallery is situated on the high street, near the library.
There are several car parks in Southend town centre, including those near the gallery. Consider public transport for a more eco-friendly option.
Absolutely! Southend-on-Sea is a popular day trip destination from London, and Focal Point Gallery is a great addition to your itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Focal Point Gallery is completely free. This allows everyone to experience contemporary art without financial barriers.
Opening hours can vary depending on current exhibitions and events. It's best to check the official Focal Point Gallery website or their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Focal Point Gallery frequently hosts a variety of exhibitions, workshops, and outdoor film screenings on Big Screen Southend. Keep an eye on their announcements for upcoming events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The gallery specializes in contemporary art, with a strong focus on photography and conceptual film. Expect thought-provoking and often experimental works.
While the art is contemporary, the gallery often hosts community projects and workshops that can be engaging for various ages. Check for specific family-friendly events.
Photography policies can vary per exhibition. It's always best to check for signage or ask gallery staff if photography is permitted.
Focal Point Gallery sometimes offers guided tours, artist talks, or video interviews about their exhibitions. Check their schedule for any such opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Southend High Street, where the gallery is located, offers a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs to suit various tastes and budgets.
Currently, there is no cafe within Focal Point Gallery itself, but numerous dining options are available in the immediate vicinity.
📸 📸 Photography
Focal Point Gallery has a strong focus on contemporary photography, showcasing a wide range of styles and conceptual approaches from emerging and established artists.
Photography rules differ per exhibition. Always look for signs or ask staff. If permitted, sharing on social media is encouraged, but always credit the artist and gallery.
The Big Screen Southend, located outside the gallery, frequently displays digital art and short films, offering a unique public art experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Combine your visit with other Southend attractions like the pier or Adventure Island for a full day out. The gallery's central location on the high street makes it easy to access with children, and the free admission means you can pop in without a significant financial commitment.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Students
+2 Take advantage of any artist talks, guided tours, or video interviews that offer deeper insights into the works and the artists' practices. Students and emerging artists will find inspiration in the gallery's focus on new talent and its role as a platform for experimentation. The opportunity to engage with challenging conceptual work can be invaluable for creative development. Consider checking their website for any specific student discounts or programs, though general admission is free.
🚶 Day-Trippers from London
Pair your gallery visit with a stroll along the famous Southend Pier or a visit to Adventure Island for a well-rounded day of exploration and entertainment. The free admission makes it a perfect, low-cost activity to slot into your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Focal Point Gallery
+2Recent exhibitions have featured artists like Rafał Zajko, whose theatrical installations delve into memory and repetition, and Martyn Cross, whose work explores the 'sense of the unknown'.
+1 The gallery also actively commissions new works and supports artists through various initiatives, ensuring a fresh and evolving program. +1Beyond the main exhibition spaces, Focal Point Gallery utilizes the Big Screen Southend for outdoor screenings of digital art and short films, often featuring local creatives. This extends the gallery's reach into the public realm, making art accessible and visible to a wider audience.
+2Community Engagement and Workshops
Events like 'City Jam' have seen the gallery facilitate artist-public interactions through workshop sessions, highlighting their commitment to making art accessible and engaging for everyone.
The gallery's dedication to community is further evidenced by initiatives like 'Relay', a program that supports local creatives by showcasing their work on the Big Screen Southend.
+1 This not only provides paid opportunities but also enriches the local cultural landscape with diverse artistic expressions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit