Hastings Museum To Receive Huge Funding Boost

Hastings Museum & Art Gallery has joined the Arts Council England’s National Portfolio and will receive £450,000 over the next three years.

The funding was accepted by Hastings Borough Council’s Cabinet last week. It will allow the museum to work on engaging with new audiences, as well as maintaining existing audiences. It will also see the museum working more outside of the museum walls in the community.

Cllr Andy Batsford, portfolio holder for culture and health, said:

“This funding is wonderful news for Hastings Museum & Art Gallery. We are excited about the opportunities that it will bring and how it will enable the museum to keep developing the huge range of events and activities they offer. The museum really is a fantastic asset for our town. If you haven't been, I would encourage you to come along - there really is something for everyone to enjoy.”

The museum says it will work closely with people living in areas of high deprivation; the LGBTQ+ community; people seeking sanctuary; home educating and disabled groups; families; older adults and primary schools; as well as cultural and community partners and local creatives.

There are five strands to the work that will be done, including working with under-engaged communities to create a new programme of events, visibility and activity; continuing the work done by Hastings Digital Museum; improving volunteering and employment opportunities with the museum; and working to address the climate emergency.