Hastings Projects

Hastings Contemporary's community projects originated from the gallery's desire to engage with local people and provide opportunities for them to respond to modern and contemporary artworks. The projects have been running for several years, with the flagship schools programme, Pearls of the Sea, launching in 2015.

What can visitors expect to see? The annual exhibition at Hastings Contemporary, which is the culmination of the Pearls of the Sea programme, showcases the artworks created by local children who have participated in the programme. The exhibition is free for students and their families to attend.

Who is behind the projects? The projects are a collaboration between Hastings Contemporary and various local organisations, including The St Leonards Academy and Little Gate. The gallery works with local artists to deliver the projects, including Judy Parkinson and the Drawing Life team, who lead the free monthly workshops for carers and those they care for.

Why is it worth attending? The projects offer a range of benefits, including the opportunity for local children to develop their creativity and respond to modern and contemporary artworks. The Drawing Life workshops provide a chance for carers and those they care for to engage in conversation, connection, and quiet concentration, which can help to ease stress and anxiety. The event runs from Saturday, 24 October 2026, until Thursday, 31 December 2026, at Hastings Contemporary in Hastings, and tickets are on sale with the button beside the article.