IT goes without saying that Sussex has a rich history of art and culture. This legacy lives on to this day and will be all the more evident over the next three weekends as the Artwave Festival takes place. More than 500 people from across East Sussex are participating in the programme, exhibiting their work in over 140 venues.

Visitors can enter private homes, workshop spaces, gardens, studios and galleries free and get a glimpse of the vibrant and diverse art being created by local makers. For the first time this year, guests can also view art-inspired films at the new Depot Cinema in Lewes, the Hillcrest Cinema in Newhaven and the Seaford Community Cinema.

There are many trails that art enthusiasts can embark on so a creative journey is never too far from your doorstep. Some of the most scenic sites include a Coastguard Cottage overlooking the Seven Sisters cliffs at Cuckmere Haven, South Heighton and routes in the rural surroundings of Firle, Litlington, Alfriston and Alciston.

For those who hold modernism close to their hearts, artist Victoria Albuquerque, exhibiting at Modern in the Country in Halland, has been described as a “modernist gem”. In Ringmer, meanwhile, you’ll find a 1920s house featuring wallpapers, textiles and Charleston inspired decorations by Anna Hayman.

Artwave is sponsored by Brighton and Hove Buses and there is a floral replica bus stationed in the Lewes precinct. Jackie Blackwell, manager of tourism and arts at Lewes District Council, said: “Artwave keeps getting bigger and better.

“We have more venues, more trails and more event highlights than ever before – it’s a really rich and exciting festival. We’re really proud of how the festival has grown and encourage people to pick up a copy of the brochure from our tourist information centres in Lewes, Seaford or Eastbourne.”

Would-be visitors can also visit the website – artwavefestival.org – to download the programme or follow Artwave on Twitter at @artwavefestival.

Our picks of Artwave Festival

Dion Salvador Lloyd

Lewes Road, Ringmer

This talented landscape artist paints evocative scenes of sea, coast and rural terrain. He has exhibited regularly in London.

Nigel French

Mount Pleasant, Lewes

This artist designs prints inspired by word play, local landscapes, American iconography and pop culture. His vibrant work leaps off the canvas.

Dawn Stacey and Guests

Toronto Terrace, Lewes

Stacey paintings are largely based around nature reserves, woodlands and lakes. Her guests are just as talented, with work revolving around Sussex countryside and the theme of memory.

The Laughing Fish

Laughing Fish Pub, Isfield

Artists Karen Potter and Adele Scantlebury are exhibiting editions of lithographies, linocuts, woodblock and engravings.

For more information on the various venues, trails and artists at the festival, visit artwavefestival.org.