Public respond as bid for Hastings to be named Town of Culture begins

The meetings took place at East Sussex College on February 19 and saw people working in small groups to respond to questions like ‘What are you most proud of about Hastings?’ and ‘What do you think makes Hastings’ culture and creative identity special and exceptional?’.

They responded with a host of answers including the town’s unique and Bohemian feeling and that its arts scene is so creatively diverse. People mentioned the number of festivals throughout the year and the wide diversity of the local music scene, with one person pointing out that Hastings has previously been identified as the most musically diverse town in the country, commenting: “We have everything here.”

There was mention of the strong DIY culture and independent spirit in Hastings with a resident saying: “We have a history of making things happen. People are interested in something then it becomes something.”

There was much mention of the creative energy the town has as well as the strong voluntary sector and interconnected support networks.

People were impressed with the number of creatives in Hastings for a town of its size and population.

Ideas on how the funding money could be used included ‘super-charging’ existing festivals, creating a musical resource centre, having more classical music concerts and setting up a map and online portal of different opportunities of cultural things to explore. Expanding more music in local schools was also suggested.

Judith Monk, who runs the Y-Centre for young people in Hastings, suggested resurrecting the once popular Town and Country Fair that used to take place in Alexandra Park, but making it an arts related event instead.

Deputy council leader Julia Hilton said: “I have been blown away by the level of support and enthusiasm for this. This a huge chance to tell the story of our creative future as a town.”

Amanda Curtis of 18 hours, which sets up cultural events across the town, including the annual Story Telling Festival, said: “We want to make sure culture has a strong voice in Hastings.”

As well as local residents, the meetings were attended by many representatives from local arts organisations.

The challenge now is pass the first stage of the bid to get short-listed. The deadline for this is March 31. If Hastings were to get short-listed it would automatically receive £60,000.

Terry Adams, who has experience with the Arts Council, will be putting the expression of interest together.

The next move is to engage with young people and involving young people is one of the requirements of the bid.