COASTAL CURRENTS ARTS FESTIVAL 2026

Contemporary art turns up all over Hastings this month, as Coastal Currents takes over the town from 3rd – 30th September.

Participating galleries and independent spaces are hosting exhibitions, with work and performances appearing out on the streets too.

Open Studios Weekends

On 5th – 6th & 12th – 13th September, artists open their homes and studios for free, giving you a look at where the work is made. Much of it will be available to buy too.

Artist Residencies

Turner Prize-shortlisted collective Project Art Works is opening its studios this year, and The High Street Clinic in the Old Town hosts artist-in-residence Louise Whitham.

Film

There’s film too, including the brilliantly named Trash Cannes, where filmmakers get five days to make a three-minute film before the results are screened at The Printworks.

Pop-Up & Gallery Showcases

Independent spaces, local businesses, and regional hubs (such as partner galleries in Battle) transform into temporary art spaces for painting, photography, and sculpture.

There is an enormous amount going on, so keep the official brochure handy (you can find that here) or check out the events guide here.

Coastal Currents might actually be our favourite part of the year because for a whole month, Hastings gets to show off how truly creative it is.