Hastings Contemporary Reveals Judges For Major New Sussex Art Exhibition

Hastings Contemporary and Sussex Contemporary have announced the judging panel for The Open: Odyssey — a major new Sussex art exhibition launching in 2026.

The panel includes Chris Packham, Zoe Lyons, Fiona Banner, Elena Crippa, Eva Langret, Isabel Rock and Kathleen Soriano.

The exhibition will open on 28 March 2026 and aims to showcase the best contemporary art being made across Sussex, with work from more than 100 artists.

Submissions are now open.

Artists are invited to respond to the theme “Odyssey” — exploring journeys shaped by the sea, time and change.

Hastings Contemporary Director Kathleen Soriano said the project reflects the gallery’s focus on ocean futures and sustainability, while Sussex Contemporary’s Jo Myles called it “a platform for ambitious, boundary-pushing art”.

Chris Packham said he’s excited to see how artists respond to Sussex’s “astonishingly beautiful but pressured” coastline, and comedian Zoe Lyons said she can’t wait to see what this “exciting odyssey of creation” produces.

All artworks in the 2026 exhibition will be available for visitors to buy.