Pearls of the Sea 25-26
Our Future World
Pearls of the Sea
Pearls of the Sea is Hastings Contemporary’s flagship schools programme. Since its launch in 2015, Pearls of the Sea has given thousands of local children the opportunity to respond to modern and contemporary artworks, explore their creativity in our learning studio, and see their art displayed alongside internationally renowned artists.
Every year, students from up to eight local primary schools work with local artists in a series of gallery visits, school visits and workshops to produce their own artworks. Teachers are provided with Career Personal Development sessions to enhance their arts delivery skills.
The programme culminates in the annual Pearls of the Sea exhibition at Hastings Contemporary where the students and their families are given complimentary gallery entry to view and celebrate their work.
Pearls of the Sea 24-25
Landing Places
Pearls of the Sea 23-24
The Sea and Me
The Cove
Launched in 2024, The Cove is a collaborative project between Hastings Contemporary and The St Leonards Academy.
It gives 25 SEND students the opportunity to work towards achieving an Arts Award by visiting the gallery four times over four months. During these visits, they will explore exhibitions and take part in extended creative workshops.
Beyond earning a recognised arts qualification, the project is designed to help students build confidence, step outside their comfort zones, and engage in learning beyond the classroom.
The programme will culminate in a student-curated pop-up exhibition at Hastings Contemporary. Students and their families will enjoy free gallery entry to view and celebrate their work.
Drawing Life
Drawing Life provides free, artist-led art sessions for carers and the people they care for, offering opportunities for creativity, conversation and connection.
We host free monthly workshops at Hastings Contemporary, delivered by Judy Parkinson and the team at Drawing Life.
The act of drawing is an easy conversation starter and sometimes the art takes second place while carers swap stories and experiences. Cared for people discover new ways to express themselves.
Moments of quiet concentration during every class are a sign that stress and anxiety can be put aside for a few precious moments.
Little Gate Supported Employment
Our partnership with Little Gate creates opportunities for trainees with learning disabilities and autism to engage with contemporary art and explore careers in the cultural sector.
We host regular exhibition tours, led by a Little Gate alumnus and gallery volunteer, giving trainees and job coaches the chance to visit the gallery regularly throughout the year, building creative confidence and career aspirations.
The partnership also includes Employer Encounter visits, offering behind-the-scenes insights into job roles at the gallery and helping trainees imagine future pathways into employment.