As it launches Major 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign, Oxmarket Contemporary has become the latest member of Chichester Chamber of Commerce.
Founded in 1976, Oxmarket was Chichester’s first art gallery and has remained a much-loved community space ever since. Housed in a medieval deconsecrated church just off East Street in the heart of the city, the gallery offers a vibrant programme of free, fortnightly exhibitions, ensuring that art is accessible to all.
The new Chamber membership comes at a pivotal moment for the charity, as it launches its £50k for 50 Years fundraising campaign. The initiative will underpin Oxmarket’s ambitions for its anniversary year, to ensure its future as a free to access cultural space as it continues to expand its support for artists, schools and community programmes.
“Joining Chichester Chamber of Commerce is an important milestone for Oxmarket as we celebrate 50 years at the heart of the city. As a charity, strong relationships with local businesses are vital, particularly as we launch our £50k for 50 Years campaign. We are proud of our history as Chichester’s first art gallery and of our role as an open, inclusive community space. We look forward to working more closely with the Chamber and its members to ensure Oxmarket continues to thrive for the next 50 years” said Louise Myles, Chair of Trustees at Oxmarket Contemporary.
The Chamber welcomed Oxmarket into its growing network of members, highlighting the value of arts and culture to the city’s economic and social life.
“It’s fantastic to welcome Oxmarket Contemporary to the Chamber. Oxmarket is a hugely important part of Chichester’s cultural identity, offering free access to high-quality exhibitions and supporting the creative community for decades. We’re delighted to have them on board and look forward to supporting their 50th anniversary celebrations and ambitious fundraising campaign,”
Paul Rolfe, Chair of Chichester Chamber of Commerce.
Through its Chamber membership, Oxmarket aims to build new partnerships with local businesses, raise awareness of its charitable work, and encourage wider involvement in its anniversary year and beyond.
Established as a charity in 1976, the gallery has a deep connection to the local culture and history. The building, a medieval deconsecrated church, has been in use since the 13th century and after considerable bomb damage in World War II, was restored in 1976 to become the first gallery and centre of arts in Chichester. The charity has a vibrant volunteer community involved in many aspects
of its operations, providing opportunities for social connections, skills development and community engagement.
The charity plays a vital role in Chichester, serving as a cultural hub that enriches the local arts ecosystem and contributes to the overall well-being of the community.
2026 is the 50th anniversary year of Oxmarket Contemporary.
