One of the defining traits of the Coastal Culture Trail is its rich visual arts scene. On this page you can find out more about upcoming exhibitions from the trail’s 3 partner galleries, Hastings Contemporary, Towner Gallery in Eastbourne, and the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.
Hastings Contemporary
Undersea, 29 March-14 Sept 2025
Exploring the mysteries, myths and marine life that lurk under the waves, Undersea will bring together paintings, prints, drawings and objects from across different cultures and artistic movements. Featuring over 75 artworks, curated by James Russell.
The Sun Feeds the Wind, 29 March-14 Sept 2025
Experience the sights, sounds and stories of the Hastings fishing fleet in this contemporary installation, in partnership with the Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society.
De La Warr Pavilion
ZINEB SEDIRA: CAN'T YOU SEE THE SEA CHANGING? 24 September 2022 - 8 January 2023
‘Can’t You See the Sea Changing?’ will be Zineb Sedira’s first solo exhibition in a UK public gallery for over 12 years and follows her acclaimed exhibition, ‘Dreams Have No Titles’ for the French Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale, which received the Special Mention of the Jury.
BABES IN ARMS, 10 September 2022 - 10 November 2022
Babes In Arms is a collective of artist mothers living in Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill, who have come together through a shared experience of the inspiration and the difficulties that are attached to being an artist or creative whilst also trying to raise a child. This exhibition follows a series of workshops led by Babes in Arms artists at the De La Warr Pavilion throughout summer 2022.
Towner Gallery
Paule Vézelay Living Lines
This spring, the first major exhibition of Paule Vézelay’s work in over 40 years will tour to Towner, after its 2025 debut at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol.
Sussex Modernism
Fine art is shown with counterculture and pop in this vibrant exhibition revealing how artists of very different kinds responded to the crises of their day through their relationships to Sussex and to the many different movements of modernism.
The Sun Feeds the Wind, 29 March-14 Sept 2025
Experience the sights, sounds and stories of the Hastings fishing fleet in this contemporary installation, in partnership with the Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society.
Undersea, 29 March-14 Sept 2025
Exploring the mysteries, myths and marine life that lurk under the waves, Undersea will bring together paintings, prints, drawings and objects from across different cultures and artistic movements. Featuring over 75 artworks, curated by James Russell.
BABES IN ARMS, 10 September 2022 - 10 November 2022
Babes In Arms is a collective of artist mothers living in Hastings, St Leonards and Bexhill, who have come together through a shared experience of the inspiration and the difficulties that are attached to being an artist or creative whilst also trying to raise a child. This exhibition follows a series of workshops led by Babes in Arms artists at the De La Warr Pavilion throughout summer 2022.
ZINEB SEDIRA: CAN'T YOU SEE THE SEA CHANGING? 24 September 2022 - 8 January 2023
‘Can’t You See the Sea Changing?’ will be Zineb Sedira’s first solo exhibition in a UK public gallery for over 12 years and follows her acclaimed exhibition, ‘Dreams Have No Titles’ for the French Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennale, which received the Special Mention of the Jury.
De La Warr Pavilion (From £40 per year)
•10% off in our Café Bar, now valid on gig nights •10% discount in our shop •Members’ e-news •Priority Booking on most live events •Invitations to exhibition openings •5% discount when you spend over £20 at Music’s Not Dead Discounted tickets on selected Learning & Participation events 5% off DLWP Limited Edition artworks
Hastings Contemporary (From £27 per year)
•Free gallery entry •10% discount in The Drift cafe •10% discount in the Gallery Shop •Members may also bring three guests with them to the cafe free of charge
Towner Eastbourne (From £40 per year)
•Invitations to exclusive viewings of all our shows •Unlimited free entry to any ticketed exhibitions •Free tours of Towner’s Collection •Discounted tickets on talks and events •Up to date news of special events and screenings •Exhibition news mailed to your door •10% discount in our Shop and Café Bar •An exclusive monthly newsletter via email
Hastings
As the birthplace of television and a town deep-rooted in the nation’s history, Hastings does not disappoint when it comes to things to discover. Featuring captivating architecture and diverse restaurants to sate your appetite, Hastings has it all.
Bexhill
The centrepiece of the Coastal Culture Trail, with many highstreets that run parallel to the sea, offering a range of options for a bit of retail therapy as well as a bite to eat. Round every corner lies something worth checking out, cementing Bexhill as a must visit location.
Eastbourne
- Whether you are just starting your Coastal Culture Trail journey, or whether it’s your last stop, - Eastbourne is full of surprises. Spoil yourself with ice-cream served by a local business that has lasted generations or immerse yourself in one of the galleries. Eastbourne is an alluring town that has a lot waiting to be uncovered.
Off the beaten track
Discover the gems of the Coastal Culture Trail. Support local businesses, creative charities and learn about hidden history.
Leisure Trail
Stay in incredible hotels, eat locally sourced food and drink wine made in the region. Relax and unwind on the trail.
Active Trail
Cycle or walk the Trail. Take in stunning landscapes and avoid the traffic while enjoying contemporary art.
Child Friendly Trail
Visiting with your family and looking for child friendly activity? Create memories on the south coast.