Press Releases week beginning 17 February 2020

Street art to lift your heart

Local artists Lawrence and Arron Hosannah approached local councillors Ruby Cox and Trevor Webb with an idea for a mural on the wall alongside the steps between London Road and Alfred Street, next to Renaissance House in St Leonards.

Using local shops as an inspiration, Lawrence used archive material from Hastings Museum and Art Gallery to research images for the mural; the postcard collection was particularly helpful.

Central St Leonards ward Cllr Ruby Cox said,

"The new mural in St Leonards, next to Alfred Street steps, celebrates life in St Leonards in all its vibrant diversity, and will hopefully lift the spirits of all who see it as they pass by, visitors, residents and shoppers alike.
 
"It brings life and colour to what was previously an exceptionally ugly and featureless wall and Cllr Webb and I are proud to have played a part in its creation.

"We hope it will give pleasure and enjoyment to all who see it for many years to come."

The artists applied to Arts Council England for a grant to create a beautiful mural to brighten up London Road and were successful in obtaining £9,000 with additional funding of £1,000 from Hastings Borough Council.
HBC worked with the occupants of Renaissance House, Brighton Housing Trust and Citizen's Advice 1066 and East Sussex Highways arranged for the steps to be repaired to further uplift the area.

Acclaimed artists paint live at streetsmART slam this weekend

On behalf of streetsmART

Hastings' cavernous and atmospheric Observer Building is usually closed to the public, but this weekend it opens its doors for a unique drop-in event.

streetsmART slam celebrates the world of graffiti and street art.

Visitors can 'Watch, Try, Learn and Buy', with artist workshops, stencilling, spraying and rollering activities, exhibitions, stalls, films, DJ and food, plus live painting from top street artists, Joe Holbrook and Pablo Allison, who will be making new pieces of street art in The Alley behind the building over the weekend.

A highlight on Sunday is a workshop with international photographer and graffiti artist, Pablo Allison. Pablo's current work documents the progress of migrant trains in Mexico and his workshop will focus on the experience of migrants approaching the US/Mexican border. Participants will discuss Pablo's photographic work, painting the language of their discussion as graffiti on the Observer Building's interior. The workshop highlights the role of graffiti and street art in raising awareness of injustice and inequality.

'Love it or hate it, graffiti is part of the everyday urban landscape,' says Margaret Sheehy of MSL Projects, Event Producer. 'streetsmART explores how graffiti and street art challenges urban, political and creative barriers.'

As well as watching artists at work and taking part in activities, visitors can browse an exhibition of Hastings' graffiti by local photographers, eat freshly cooked Mexican food from Home Ground Kitchen, enjoy live DJ sets from 'Stan' and buy art and clothes from stalls.

'The event has something for everyone, from professional artists of all types, to those who enjoy looking at street art or would like to try some techniques,' says Margaret. 'It promised to be a relaxed, informal and thoroughly engaging weekend.'

Entry is just £1, with activities an additional £3. Participation in Pablo Allison's workshop is £5.

streetsmART is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Hastings Borough Council and is presented in collaboration with Stella Dore Gallery, St Leonards and the Observer Building.

StreetsmART is from 12noon to 5pm on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February.

Full programme can be found at facebook/mslhastings.