Hastings to make Town of Culture bid

Groups across Hastings are starting work on a Town of Culture bid, supported by Hastings Borough Council and Arts Hastings CIC.

Town of Culture is a new government competition, which towns across the UK are invited to enter. The winning town will be awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, and the two runners-up will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.

Hastings’ bid will be project managed and written by Arts Hastings CIC with input from across the cultural community and creative industry sectors to develop a strong, inclusive, forward-looking and ambitious bid that reflects the breadth and diversity of cultural activity in Hastings and St Leonards. The council will remain the accountable body for the bid, providing governance, oversight and strategic support throughout the process.

For the initial expression of interest phase, the focus is on answering three questions around how we want to tell our Hastings story, how culture can be used to build on local strengths and look to the future, while addressing local priorities, and finally how we will empower communities to shape the eventual programme.

The first deadline is Tuesday 31 March. A public meeting is being planned so cultural organisations, artists, communities, education providers and businesses can feed into the possible themes for the story. This will be announced shortly across social media and the council and Arts Hastings websites. (edited 11.2.26 - two public meetings will be held on Thursday 19 February at East Sussex College, Station Approach, Hastings, the first from 2 to 4pm and the second from 5 to 7pm. Please book online if you would like to attend.)

The bid will align with Hastings’ wider regeneration priorities and the Pride of Place programme, supporting year-round cultural activity that revitalises urban centres, attracts visitors, and strengthens the town’s innovative and creative economy.

Cllr Julia Hilton, deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for shaping places and local government reorganisation, said: “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. 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.”

Mandy Curtis, Chair of Arts Hastings CIC, said: “We are delighted to be the lead organisation for the Town of Culture bid, supported by the council. 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.”

Arts Hastings CIC brings together local cultural organisations, practitioners and venues, with a mission to strengthen collaboration, promote cultural activity across the town, and ensure that culture reflects and serves all communities. The members of the organisation have strong track records of connecting intelligence, expertise, community insight and cultural business support to help maximise Hastings’ cultural landscape.

 As lead organisation, Arts Hastings CIC will:

• Coordinate sector-wide collaboration and engagement
• Project manage and write the Town of Culture bid
• Promote Hastings’ cultural venues, events, creative talent, and the innovative sector 
• Support cultural education and community participation
• Represent the cultural sector strategically, working closely with the council and other key stakeholders.