Hastings bid to become Town of Culture
Famous for being the place where William The Conqueror landed in 1066, Hastings is currently working on a bid to be named as Town of Culture.
It’s all part of a new government initiative which’ll see a winning town awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028. The two runners-up will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.
Groups across Hastings are starting work on the town’s bid which is being supported by Hastings Borough Council and Arts Hastings CIC.
The council explains it’ll remain the accountable body for the bid and will be providing ‘governance, oversight and strategic support throughout the process.’
It’s (perhaps) not surprising that Hastings would be putting forward its proposals as the town is the birthplace of television. The device being invented by John Logie Baird in 1924 when he was living in the town.
Hastings’ bid will be project managed and written by Arts Hastings CIC with input from across the cultural community and creative industry sectors. The goal is for the team to develop a strong, inclusive, forward-looking and ambitious bid.
‘We know that we have amazing cultural and creative energy and expertise in our town, and we want to make sure this bid includes as many as it can,’ says Cllr. Julia Hilton, deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council.
‘It is a chance for people across the town to learn new skills and share their creativity, for us to build a sustainable future for our incredible cultural sector and to highlight the role arts plays in supporting innovation, something our town is famous for.’
Building on its strengths
The team is looking at ways to tell Hastings’ story and how its’ culture can be used to build on its strengths – while also looking to the future.
‘We are delighted to be the lead organisation for the Town of Culture bid, supported by the council,’ explains Mandy Curtis, Chair of Arts Hastings CIC.
‘This is an opportunity to bring together the many voices, talents and ideas across Hastings and St Leonards to tell a powerful story about who we are and where we want to go.’
‘We look forward to working closely with Hastings Borough Council and the wider community to develop a bold, inclusive and collaborative bid.’
A public meeting is being planned so cultural organisations, artists, communities, education providers and businesses can feed into the possible themes for the story. The bid aims to align with Hastings’ wider regeneration priorities and the Pride of Place programme.
The team explain its goals include supporting ‘year-round cultural activity that revitalises urban centres, attracts visitors, and strengthens the town’s innovative and creative economy.’
Breaktime News has previously reported on Hastings’ True CRIME Museum’s exhibition on the trial of Dr John Bodkin Adams.
