At the heart of Newhaven’s historic Marine Workshops, NEW POP MAX transformed the BN9 Studio into a riot of colour, inflatable creatures and playful contemporary art. Created by internationally recognised artist Bruce Asbestos, the exhibition brought together giant inflatables, bold new paintings and interactive works that invited audiences of all ages to step directly into Bruce’s hyper-pop universe. Presented by Look Again in collaboration with Towner Eastbourne and Lewes District Council, the exhibition became one of the standout cultural events in the region during spring 2025.

Across its run, NEW POP MAX welcomed around 5,000 visitors to Newhaven, attracting audiences from across Sussex and beyond while also engaging strongly with local families, schools and young people. The project formed part of Look Again’s wider ambition to bring ambitious, high-quality contemporary culture into coastal communities, creating opportunities for people to experience nationally recognised artwork without needing to travel to major cities. Alongside the exhibition, a programme of workshops, school visits and drop-in creative activities helped turn the Marine Workshops into a lively and accessible community space centred around participation, imagination and joy.