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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East Kent Art Collective MAHL Returns to Its Roots at The Horsebridge This September

WHITSTABLE, KENT – The acclaimed MAHL art collective is proud to announce its upcoming exhibition, MAHL 2026, running at The Horsebridge Arts Centre from 9th to 21st September 2026. This highly anticipated showcase marks a sentimental homecoming for the group, coinciding perfectly with the energy of the local Whitstable Rocks Oyster Festival.

Formed in 2012, the collective of East Kent-based artists has spent the last fourteen years evolving and exhibiting across the region. Whitstable holds a unique place in their history; the group’s very first exhibition was held at The Horsebridge fourteen years ago. While the collective’s membership has naturally grown and changed over the decade, founding member John Hughes has remained the group's guiding presence, now leading a refreshed lineup of talented East Kent contemporary artists back to where it all began.

"We are incredibly excited to return to The Horsebridge," says Paul Gadenne, artist and spokesperson for the collective. "Whitstable has always been a vital cornerstone for our group. Having our founding member John Hughes exhibit alongside our newer members during the Oyster Festival feels like the perfect celebration of how the East Kent arts scene continues to grow, pass the torch, and thrive."

The exhibition is free to attend and provides an excellent opportunity for local residents and art collectors to meet the artists and experience the thriving creative spirit of the East Kent coast.

Event Details:

• Exhibition: MAHL 2026

• Dates: 9th – 21st September 2026

• Meet the Artists: Saturday 19th September 2026

• Venue: Gallery 1, The Horsebridge Arts Centre, 11 Horsebridge Rd, Whitstable, CT5 1AF

• Admission: Free

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Media Contact:

• Name: Alison Drewett

• Email: info@alisondrewett.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• About MAHL: Founded in 2012 at The Horsebridge, MAHL is an evolving collective of established contemporary artists living and working across East Kent. Helmed by remaining founding member John Hughes, the collective continues to celebrate collaborative creativity year on year.

• High-Resolution Imagery: Digital images of the artwork and the artists are available and interviews can be arranged upon request. Please contact Alison Drewett at info@alisondrewett.co.uk to request a media pack.

ARTIST INTERVIEWS

Get an exclusive look behind the studio doors of the MAHL art collective. In the run-up to our highly anticipated homecoming exhibition at The Horsebridge Arts Centre this September, we sat down with each of our four artists to discuss their creative processes, deep-rooted inspirations, and local connections.Read the full conversations below.