A PHOENIX has been reborn after a major arts funding boost.

Phoenix Brighton, the largest independent artists’ studio and gallery in the South East, has won £150,000 funding from the Arts Council.

It has enabled the arts hub to carry out essential improvements to its landmark home and paves the way for its continued leading role in the city’s thriving arts scene.

Set up in 1992 in a former ‘70s office building, Phoenix Brighton has become an established feature of Brighton’s cultural landscape for the past 22 years.

The organisation provides over 110 artists’ studios and a gallery - as well as an extensive education programme, residencies and events, all under one roof.

Essential renovations and redevelopment to modernize the space started in April 2014 under the guidance of RH Partnership Architects (RHP), based in Brighton.

The exterior has now been repainted with a heritage colour scheme designed by RHP and inspired by Bauhaus colourist Johannes Itten.

It was unveiled when the scaffolding was removed last week.

Repairs to the exterior concrete cladding and all the building’s windows have also been carried out.

Phase two, funded by the Arts Council, will see the gallery and foyer revitalized and disabled access integrated with the main entrance, creating a more modern, public facing and inclusive building.

Phillip Naylor, director of RHP, said: “The new exterior colours and their arrangement reflect the vibrancy and individuality of the building and its inhabitants.

“Phoenix Brighton provides the city with an invaluable arts centre and we are delighted to be working with them.”

David Litchfield, outgoing development manager at Phoenix Brighton, said: “This funding allows us to create a landmark arts building at a key gateway into Brighton, which reflects the spirit and aliveness of the city in an area that is undergoing an exciting rebirth.”

Belinda Greenway has now taken over as development manager at Phoenix.