School and group visits
We welcome visits from groups of all kinds – from schools and colleges, to art clubs and tourist groups.
We offer a variety of options, including self-guided visits, guided tours with gallery activities, artist-led workshops in our studio space, and remote access robot tours.
To arrange your visit, contact us at visits@hastingscontemporary.org.
Pearls of the Sea
Pearls of the Sea is Hastings Contemporary’s flagship schools engagement 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.
Explore the 2024/25 exhibition here.
Pearls of the Sea 2025/26 is supported by The Magdalen and Lasher Charity, Chalk Cliff Trust, Isabel Blackman Foundation and our Pearls of the Sea Patron Amanda Burton.
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.
