Hastings has a unique history and a vibrant, varied contemporary life. Jerwood chose to site their new gallery in Hastings because of the opportunity to contribute to the regeneration of the town, partnering with a local authority that shared its commitment to delivering real change, as well as the chance to add Hastings to the string of arts venues that is growing along the south coast.
From Pallant House in Chichester and the Towner at Eastbourne to the west, to Margate and Folkestone to the east, the Jerwood Gallery will contribute to making an unmissable series of cultural attractions that is already drawing visitors from around the country. Strong links are already being made between Jerwood and the De La Warr Pavilion in nearby Bexhill, which itself shows the synergy that outstanding contemporary architecture and high quality cultural programming has with the seaside landscape of the south coast.
Hastings has a strong identity that is evident in its shape – the cliffs and valleys in between – and the vibrant local festivities of Bonfire, Jack-in-the-Green and the Old Town Carnival. The Old Town of Hastings contains one of the largest concentration of timber-framed buildings in the country, and retains its medieval street pattern, now populated with independent shops, cafes, good pubs and lively street life, while St Leonards, with its planned streets and iconic 1930’s Marine Court, has been dubbed the ‘new Portobello’ for its arts community and second-hand shops. The juxtaposition of traditional, vibrant seaside attractions with the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in the country creates a living identity that deserves to be supported with more year-round visitors.
Hastings, UK
