Findings in Eastbourne

On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, Verity-Jane Keefe's project, The Findings, will be on display at Towner, Eastbourne, until Thursday, 31 December 2026. This innovative installation features five artworks created with local school children, residents, and a foundry, using objects extracted during archaeological digs and at Eastbourne's recycling centre. The artworks are installed in gaps in the public realm, such as a former tree pit, a concrete footing of a long-removed bench, and a concrete threshold into a playing field, and can be found at Langney Playing Fields, Pembury Road Shops, Langney Shopping Centre, Shinewater Sports Centre, and Shinewater Park.

The project began with archaeological digs in autumn 2023, where remnants of previous human activity were collected by participants of all ages. The objects were then sorted and catalogued during workshops with Verity-Jane Keefe, archaeologist Jo Seaman, the Eastbourne Heritage Team, and Towner, before being transformed into artworks. Some objects were cast in brass at a local foundry, photographed in the hands of participants, and digitally printed onto porcelain tiles. Each work is accompanied by an interpretation panel, sharing information on the participant, the project, and poetic text by the artist.

Verity-Jane Keefe is a visual artist working predominantly in the public realm, exploring the complex relationship between people and place. She is interested in the role and potential of the artist within urban regeneration and how experiential practice can touch upon and raise ambitions of existing and invisible communities. With a background in teaching and residencies, Keefe has worked on various projects, including the Towner Eastbourne Public Art Commission, If All The Walls Could Speak, and the Mobile Museum in London.

The Findings is a unique opportunity to experience Keefe's innovative approach to art and community engagement. By exploring the value of everyday objects and the public realm, this project encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with the world around them. Tickets are with the button beside the article.

The combination of Bronze Age history, modern archaeology, and community participation makes The Findings a compelling and thought-provoking installation. As Verity-Jane Keefe's project continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it engages with the local community and contributes to the ongoing conversation about art and urban regeneration. With its innovative approach and unique blend of history, art, and community, The Findings is an exciting addition to Eastbourne's cultural landscape.