The Hastings Open, a flagship exhibition founded in 2020, will return in 2026 at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, showcasing emerging and established artists from the South East region. The open call closes on July 19, 2025, and the winner will receive a solo exhibition at the museum in 2028/29. The exhibition features work in painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, video, and other media, with partnerships including The blackShed Gallery.
The exhibition matters because it provides a meaningful platform for regional artists to share their work with new audiences and contribute to the town's creative legacy. As a recurring open-call event, it supports both emerging and established talent, fostering community engagement and cultural development in Hastings and the broader South East area.