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
Kathleen Soriano, 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
Hannah Collisson, Public Programme Coordinator
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
Andrew Corbett-Nolan (Chair)
Bruce Brown
Clara Courtauld
Peter Chowney
Michael Farthing
Patricia Millett
Joni O’Sullivan
Ronke Phillips-Pakenham
David Rogers
Kay Sandford-Beal
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
Volunteers are a vital part of the Hastings Contemporary team and of the daily operations of the gallery. Our volunteers help to provide a welcoming environment for our visitors and support them to get the most out of their visit.
In return, volunteers develop new skills and experiences, and behind-the-scenes knowledge. Benefits include free entry to the gallery, volunteer socials, discounts in our shop and cafe, complimentary tickets for friends and family, and exclusive introductions to the exhibitions.
For more information contact our Volunteer Coordinator Molly Barrett at molly@hastingscontemporary.org
Learning assistants
Support our busy programme of Family Days and kids clubs. To find out more and apply, download the Learning Assistant Volunteer Application Form.
Gallery stewards
We are not currently recruiting Gallery stewards. Any applications received will be kept on file for when we are recruiting again. Download the Volunteer Application Form to find out more.
“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.”
“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
We are seeking proposals from artist facilitators for activities for next season’s public programme (autumn/winter 2025-26).
Download the information pack here
Please send your proposals, or any questions, to events@hastingscontemporary.org by 9am on Monday 7 July 2025.