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THE SUN
FEEDS THE WIND

THE SUN FEEDS THE WIND

One of Europe’s oldest fishing communities – now at risk – to be centre of major cultural project in spring 2025

A ground-breaking new partnership and exhibition that will collect and display the living histories of the Hastings fishing community for the first time will open in spring 2025.

The exhibition is part of a year-long project with the Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society, celebrating the unique knowledge, skills and practices of the Hastings fishing fleet and preserving them for future generations.

At the centre of the project will be the presentation of an oral history archive, collected and curated by Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society and artist Mary Hooper. Hooper will create an immersive sound installation, The Sun Feeds the Wind, in Hastings Contemporary’s Foreshore Gallery (29 March – 14 September 2025), giving voice to the fishing community which surrounds the gallery.

Paul Joy, Chairman of Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society, said “Inshore fishing faces immediate and existential threats, but as fishermen we are eternally optimistic for a brighter future. As custodians of the sea, we connect our town to its history, with traditions which pre-date 1066, and to its future – offering answers to the challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities. We are excited to share our stories and preserve them for future generations.”

The exhibition will be designed by Jane Bruce and will include moving image by artist and filmmaker Nichola Bruce and video designer Sam Sharples. Interpretation from the fishing community will be woven into the exhibitions and programme of events, including text, tours, recordings, talks and workshops.

The Sun Feeds the Wind is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.

Photo credit: Euan Baker

Artist Mary Hooper with Paul Joy, Chairman of the Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society

 

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SUPPORTED BY

The National Lottery Heritage Fund

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.

From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

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Exhibitions

UNDERSEA

29 March 2025 - 14 September 2025
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