The southeastern county of East Sussex is home to a wealth of independent galleries and exhibition spaces.
London may be the nexus of England’s arts scene, but it is supported by creative networks around the country, few of which are more vibrant than on the southeast coast. Roughly two hours from central London by train or by car, the county of East Sussex, home to the seaside town of Hastings, features an arts center to rival any in the capital, independent galleries and exhibition spaces, and artist-focused organizations committed to supporting emerging talent.
It has also long attracted artists, including some of the biggest names of the 20th century. Here are some of the venues where visitors can engage with art in East Sussex:
De La Warr Pavilion
The De La Warr Pavilion has been a feature of Bexhill-on-Sea since 1935, when the streamlined Modernist structure was built as a public space.
When it reopened as a contemporary arts center in 2005, it resumed its civic function, hosting exhibitions, events and performances. For Joseph Constable, head of exhibitions until Oct. 10 (when he leaves the center to become director of Kunsthall Stavanger, Norway), staying true to the building’s reputation as the “People’s Palace,” as it was known in the 1930s, has been central to his role.
“Our exhibitions program comprises local, national and international voices across five to six exhibitions per year — quite a lot for a regional arts organization,” Constable said by email. "Maintaining this frequency, however, is part of how we foster connections with our frequent visitors from the local community."
From Saturday, visiotrs can explore the work of the New York artist Betty Parsons. In her role as a gallerist, Parsons "set in motion the Abstract Expressionist movement in the U.S.," Constable said, while maintaining "a committed practice as an artist, retreating from the city on the weekends to Long Island and the studio that she had there from the 1960s."
The dual contexts play into what Constable called the "value of operating outside of the 'center' when it comes to the spaces where art can be practices and encountered"; something he said the De La Warr Pavillion has aimed to enhance.
Marina, Bexhill-on-Sea; dlwp.com.
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