Red Herring was established in 1984 by seven artists as a non-profit making organisation, to fulfil a need for artists' and craftpeoples' studios within the town centre. they believed that an artists' group with shared aims working together could be a potent force and great source of vitality that would actively involve other artists.

The first building accommodated 27 individual artists, who, through shared concerns, developed into a cohesive group, operating as a democratic collective. This model has gone on to gain national recognition for Red Herring and has served as an example of good practice for the establishment of subsequent artists' groups.

Red Herring utilises vacant industrial premises for its studios, often these buildings are awaiting redevlopment. As a result of the fluctuations in building availability Red Herring has moved five times in the last thirteen years. In four of its six premises, Red Herring has maintained a gallery alongside its studio provision,

Currently Red Herring has no gallery but has been instrumental in the development of Brightons artist run gallery 'Fabrica' at the Holy Trinity Church in Ship St, Brighton. By contibuting to the development of the towns infrastructure Red Herring helps to raise the profile and increase interest and involvement in the visual arts.