hastings arts

about hastings arts

art history in hastings

about hastings arts

there is a plethora of talented artists in the Hastings area. In fact, historically, this has often been the case. Over the last three centuries, Hastings has played host to great artists such as JMW Turner, several of the pre-Raphaelites including Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and Leslie Badham from the Slade School. 'hastings arts' is an organisation which promotes contemporary local artists to a regional, national and even international audience, by using traditional and new methods of marketing.

we at 'hastings arts' have found that many artists are either unaware of the potential that the Internet offers for showing their work, or simply do not have the resources to set up their own Internet presence and promote themselves online. So, what better way to show local artists work than grouping them together and putting them all on the same website? The website is open to all artists in the area, whether they are inexperienced students of art or well-established figureheads.

this region has experienced difficult times recently, no doubt. With the regeneration plans, and an influx of talent and professionals to help stimulate the talent which is already here, it now shows many signs of returning to some of its former glory. 'hastings arts' wishes to play its part in this regional renaissance by promoting some of our highly talented and original artists. 'hastings arts' is proud and privileged to have the support of some of the most highly established artists in the area, including Gus Cummins (RA) and Angie Braven.

the 'hastings arts' website has been professionally put together by an experienced website maintenance and marketing specialist, a graphic designer and a programming and database expert who has set up the online purchasing facility. As a result, the feedback on the website has been excellent. The website receives around 40,000 hits per month, and it is used at ‘Hastings College’ as an example of ‘good practice’ and quality in website design. The professional, modern set-up and design also ensures that the site can cater for any amount of new data from new artists.

it is important to the ethos of 'hastings arts' that we always bear in mind any environmental impact that we may have as a community organisation. For example, we use recycled paper whenever possible for our cards and prints. We have found sources which compromise neither the quality nor the price. We also want to encourage the use of local resources and the skills of local people. In supporting local artists and promoting their work, we hope to help them realise their potential and gain the recognition that they deserve.

funding for the 'hastings arts' venture has come from three different sources so far. The founder, Anthony Hack, won a New Entrepreneur Scholarship in conjunction with Canterbury Business School, the Prince’s Trust and EDEAL – a Business Link in Eastbourne. As a result of successfully completing the relevant Business courses, he was awarded funding to set up hastings arts. The website was partly funded by a DTI grant – 1066/Sussex Enterprise were instrumental in securing this award, and helping with other aspects of setting up the venture. Hastings Castle Job Centre also contributed through the ‘New Deal’ scheme. The 'Hastings Trust' have also given invaluable assistance.

if you are interested in featuring your artwork or getting involved in the project in some way, please email us here

art history in hastings

hastings has had a reputation as an artistic centre since the late 1700's when JMW Turner and Joshua Cristall were exhibiting paintings of Hastings at the Royal Academy.

in the 1830's Hastings was host to Samuel Prout and William Henry Hunt amongst other artists. They often met with other renowned figures at West Hill House - which was then the home of the wealthy collector John Hornby Maw.

by the 1850's the subversive but spiritual pre-Raphaelites were frequently visiting Hastings. These included Edward Lear and Dante Gabriel Rossetti who lived at 5 High Street in the Old Town.

the early 20th century in Hastings was well chronicled by Leslie Badham who trained at the Slade School. He moved to Hastings around 1914 and taught at the School of Art . Badham produced an extensive record of the Old Town, and his sketches make up a series of maps which are now in the Hastings Museum and Art Gallery collection. Badham also made studies of the Hastings Fishing Fleet and painted many scenes of the surrounding areas around Hastings. He died in his Priory Road home during a bomb raid over Hastings in 1944.

thanks to Hastings Museum (Old Town) for granting us permission to reproduce information on this page.