Hastings Contemporary Gallery

Hastings Contemporary champions modern and contemporary art. It offers a year-round programme of temporary exhibitions and events. It is located on the seafront next to the historic fishing beach in Hastings Old Town. Visit the Hastings Contemporary website for full details of its current exhibitions and events.

Stade Development

In June 2008 Cabinet gave its support for a new art gallery and facilities on the Stade.

Around £9m was invested in the site, with just over £4m coming from the Jerwood Foundation, who fully funded the cost of the building, originally named the Jerwood Gallery. The rest of the site, including the Stade Hall, Stade café, Stade open Space and highways improvements, cost just under £5m. The council secured £2m from the Government's Sea Change fund towards this project, £650,000 from the South East England Development Agency, £420,000 from East Sussex County Council and around £1.7m from the council's own resources.

The Stade Hall and public toilets opened in March 2011, and the Stade café ('Eat @ The Stade'), and Stade Open Space in May 2011. The Jerwood Gallery opened on Saturday, 17 March 2012.

Change from Jerwood to Hastings

In 2019 the gallery was relaunched as Hastings Contemporary. This change coincided with the Jerwood Foundation stepping back from the day-to-day running of the gallery.

In April 2022 the Jerwood Foundation gifted the gallery building to Hastings Borough Council, making the council the gallery landlord. The gallery continues to be operated independently of the council as Hastings Contemporary (charity no: 1150383).

About Hastings Contemporary

Hastings Contemporary is a bold, independent art gallery in the heart of Hastings Old Town.

Situated on the town’s historic fishing beach, we bring inspiring art to our coastal community through an ambitious programme of exhibitions, events and partnerships.

We welcome everybody and believe in the power of creativity to enrich lives. Our work supports new experiences, nurtures skills, preserves heritage and helps our town to thrive.

With a programme anchored in ocean futures and sustainability, we bring together artists, scientists, fishermen and local communities to explore new creative frontiers and the challenges of our time.

As a gallery by the sea, we are re-imagining what a cultural space can be – a place where art, climate and community meet.

Under 18s can visit all our exhibitions for free. Hastings and Rother residents can visit for half price.