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An artist-led not-for-profit initiative creating and supporting collaborative socially engaged projects with LGBTQ+ people and marginalised communities.

ABOUT US

Based in Brighton and Hove, we celebrate diversity through art across Sussex and the wider South East, building connections and sparking creative collaborations. We're not just about location; we're about weaving stories and forging bonds that transcend boundaries, embracing communities both near and far. Together, we aim to craft a tapestry of inclusivity that paints a brighter, more connected world through free exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.

Proud Studios was founded by award-winning portrait, documentary and commercial photographer Chris Jepson, a creative with 25+ years experience working for a diverse range of publications, magazines and LGBTQ+ community campaigns.

OUR MISSION

Proud Studios is dedicated to fostering creativity and inclusivity through socially engaged practices. We passionately collaborate on creative projects with LGBTQ+ individuals and marginalised communities, aiming to amplify diverse voices and celebrate the richness of unique perspectives. Our mission is to create projects where artistic expression become a powerful tool for social change, breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive and empathetic world.

NEW PROJECT – GET INVOLVED NOW

This is UNCUT — a raw, striking portrait series by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson capturing the power and pride of Queer Joy, shot in a barber’s chair. No filters, no retouching, no compromise. Just bold, beautiful people taking up space exactly as they are.

Barbershops have long been places of transformation — places where identities are shaped, confidence is built and stories are shared. But they haven’t always been welcoming for everyone. UNCUT reclaims that space for queer bodies, queer styles and queer joy. It’s about authenticity, visibility and saying this is me without hesitation.

Shooting from March 2025 – Studio in Brighton & Hove.

>> Read more and get involved here.

NEW EXHIBITION (Hove, BN3)

The IDENTITY Project – A Portrait of a Community, by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson, is an exploration of what it means to identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community today.

This ‘Paris Edition’ was created with Espace Canopy, a gallery in the 18th arrondissement, for ‘Marche des fiertés LGBT’ (Paris Pride) 2022 and this is the first UK exhibition of the portraits.

From 1st February 2025 – Hove Hands, First Avenue, Hove (by appointment only).

>> Read more here.

NEW EXHIBITION (Brighton, BN2)

Beyond The Binary – A Celebration Of Trans Joy Is A Collaboration Between Brighton-Based Award-Winning Photographer And Queer Artist Chris Jepson, Trans Groups Including Trans Pride Brighton, The Clare Project, Trans Can Sport, TReNBI FC Brighton, Misfits And Transkaters, As Well As Numerous Trans Individuals.

On now – Plus X Innovation, Lewes Road, Brighton.

>> Read more here.

Projects

NEW PROJECT

UNCUT

Read More

This is UNCUT — a raw, striking portrait series by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson capturing the power and pride of Queer Joy, shot in a barber’s chair. No filters, no retouching, no compromise. Just bold, beautiful people taking up space exactly as they are. >> Read more here.

Beyond The Binary

Read More

Beyond The Binary – A Celebration Of Trans Joy Is A Collaboration Between Brighton-Based Award-Winning Photographer And Queer Artist Chris Jepson, Trans Groups Including Trans Pride Brighton, The Clare Project, Trans Can Sport, TReNBI FC Brighton And Transkaters, As Well As Numerous Trans Individuals. >> Read more here.

The Identity Project

The Identity Project

IDENTITY is a project by ​award-winning British photographer Chris Jepson, exploring what it means to identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community today.

Gay Liberation

Gay Liberation

To mark 50 years since the first ‘Brighton Gay Pride march’ in July 1973, ‘Gay Liberation’ presents new portraits of veterans of the London GLF and the Sussex GLF, each a poignant testament to the personal narratives of the veterans, reflecting the trials they encountered while navigating the path to acceptance and liberation.

10 Years Of Trans Joy

10 Years Of Trans Joy

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Trans Pride Brighton, last year (2023) Sharon Kilgannon held a short exhibition of her project ’10 Years Of Trans Joy’. We thought the work deserved a wider audience and a more permanent home, so are delighted to present these amazing images.

Adventures in Clubland

For more than 2 decades, from the mid 1990s to the mid 2010s, award-winning photographer Chris Jepson was the go-to guy trusted by numerous promoters and publications to capture the spirit of queer clubbing.
Adventures in Clubland is the best of his extensive collection of over 1 million images – coming soon as a book and exhibition.

Adventures in Clubland

Chris Jepson Archive

The director and founder of Proud Studios CIC, Chris Jepson, has worked on the LGBTQ+ scene for more than 30 years. We are delighted that we are the official home of his extensive archive and gradually collections will be added as they are catalogued, curated and digitised.

Chris Jepson Archive

News

news
March 19, 2025

This is UNCUT

UNCUT – Shooting in Brighton & Hove from March 2025 This is UNCUT — a NEW, raw, striking portrait series…
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February 1, 2025

The Identity Project – Paris Edition – Exhibition for LGBTQ+ History Month

The Identity Project – Paris Edition An Exhibition for LGBTQ+ History Month, February 2025 The IDENTITY Project – A Portrait…
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October 1, 2024

New Photobook/zine Kickstarter: BEYOND THE BINARY – A Celebration of Trans Joy

New Photobook/zine Kickstarter: I’m excited to share my project— BEYOND THE BINARY – A Celebration of Trans Joy, a gorge…

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