About us
At Hastings Contemporary we bring world-class modern and contemporary art to a spectacular coastal setting. The gallery welcomes everybody, and through our exhibitions and activities we aim to enrich lives by offering new experiences, supporting creativity and helping our town to thrive.
We are proud of our innovative programming, partnerships and collaborations that support our commitment to outreach, learning and participation. Over the last 11 years we have established ourselves as a celebrated cultural hub for the South East.
We are situated right on the seafront, among Hastings’s famous net huts, overlooking the largest beach-launched fishing fleet in Europe. Designed by HAT Projects and originally created by the Jerwood Foundation, our building has won several architectural awards, including a RIBA National Award, a Civic Trust Award and a Sussex Heritage Trust Award.
The team
Liz Gilmore, Director
Leah Cross, Director of Programmes
Leah Swain, Head of Development
Rebecca Drew, Head of Finance and Operations
Agnieszka Dolata, Visitor Services and Retail Manager
Suzy Trevethan, Audience Development Manager
Sophia McNab, Communications and Marketing Officer
Joseph Legg, Programme Assistant
Molly Barrett, Volunteer Coordinator
Louisa O’Shaughnessy, Learning Coordinator
Alice Kaye, Administrative Assistant
and the Front of House Team
Contact us on:
info@hastingscontemporary.org or membership@hastingscontemporary.org
01424 728377
Board of Trustees
Our Partners
We would like to thank the following organisations for their ongoing support, enabling us to become one of the most exciting cultural hubs in South England:
Sir Quentin Blake
‘I am constantly distracted by Hastings in the most enjoyable way’ Sir Quentin Blake.
We are honoured that Sir Quentin Blake is our Artist Patron.
Quentin has had a long association with Hastings and has been a high-profile supporter of Hastings Contemporary since it first opened to the public in 2012 as Jerwood Gallery.
For Quentin, his ongoing collaboration with Hastings Contemporary has opened up new possibilities, prompting him to explore new approaches and themes in the knowledge that the results will find themselves ‘sympathetically shown in this extraordinary gallery … they are truly pictures for Hastings Contemporary.’
Quentin Blake Originals
Visit our online shop to browse original paintings, drawings and limited edition prints by Quentin Blake, exclusively available at Hastings Contemporary. For all other sales enquiries, including international customers, email agnieszka@hastingscontemporary.org
Volunteering
Our volunteers are a vital part of the Hastings Contemporary team, supporting us in our role as cultural hub for the town.
Volunteers play a crucial role in the daily operations of the gallery, helping to provide a welcoming environment for our visitors, facilitating visitor engagement with our exhibitions and events, and helping our visitors to feel at home. In turn, they develop experience and behind-the-scenes knowledge of the gallery.
If you are interested in art, learning, sharing knowledge on our exhibitions or gaining experience in a gallery setting, volunteering at Hastings Contemporary could be for you.
To find out more and apply, download the Hastings Contemporary Volunteer Application. For more information contact our Volunteer Coordinator Molly Barrett at molly@hastingscontemporary.org
“It’s a joy to volunteer at the gallery, I always feel uplifted after spending time there.”
“I enjoy learning about art and artists that I am unfamiliar with. I love being able to wander around the exhibitions before the public arrive and the icing on the cake is to meet the artists in person at the briefing sessions.”
“I enjoy being part of the community at the gallery. I find talking with visitors, and perhaps adding value to their visit, very rewarding.”
“The whole volunteering application process was very well organised with excellent documentation setting very clear framework and engagement. Staff have been very approachable and supportive – replenishing a culture of inclusion, collaboration and appreciation of the work of volunteers.”
Jobs
Our Board of Trustees is currently seeking a new Chair and new members. Find out more and how to apply.
We are also recruiting our first Honorary Secretary. Find out more and how to apply.
Deadline for applications Sunday 21 April.
If you would value an informal conversation about these roles, please contact our trustee Joni O’Sullivan (joni.osullivan@gmail.com).