Author: sally

We are delighted to announce Harry Leek as the second recipient of the DLWP x Flatland Curatorial Fellowship.

Harry Leek is an arts worker with a specialism in artist support and studio practice. Harry is currently Residency Producer at Somerset House Studios, an experimental workspace for artists in the centre of London supporting up to 70 artists at any one time to develop new projects and collaborations, where he delivers the artist residencies and development programmes. Harry holds a BA in Fine Art from the University of the Arts London, and recently completed a Curatorial Ideation course at the Node Center for Curatorial Studies.

Coming from a less traditional academic background, Harry is interested in alternative curatorial models and approaches, and is curious about the systems in which art is produced, and how we may shift focus from final outcomes and bolster the processes around how work is made. Through his practice, Harry is keen to emphasise and explore the ways creative programmes can facilitate collective experiences and learning, while creating space to build meaningful peer-to-peer connections and relationships.

Past projects have included devising and delivering Somerset House Studios’ Community Building and Artist Development programmes, comprising talks, workshops, and skillsharing sessions, aiming to create a framework for artists to connect and develop ideas. Other projects include The Artists’ Fair – a recurring programme at Somerset House consisting of an artist-led market and talks series centred around artists lives, considering the peripherals of what defines artistic practice, how livelihoods and income streams intersect, and how artists fund and support their work.

The Curatorial Fellowship comes at a pivotal moment in Harry’s practice, bringing his work to a new context within the Bexhill area. During the 6-month fellowship, he plans to deepen his curatorial experience whilst connecting with local networks, initiatives, and artists.

Photo: Harry Leek by Nina Manandhar

On Sunday May 21, the community of Bexhill and beyond came together in an act of restoration and  resistance to the vandalism of Tschabalala Self’s sculpture Seated . The sculpture of a Black woman looking out to sea was spray-painted white, covering the entirety of her skin.

It was incredibly powerful to see over 300 people come together to make a start in cleaning the sculpture with scrubbing brushes and white spirit.

Through this process of care and healing we were able to make it clear that these acts will not be tolerated in our community and we will continue doing the necessary work to combat racism in all its forms.

We would like to thank everyone who came to restore and support as well as the hundreds of messages we received online. Tschabalala Self says:

Painting the skin of my sculpture white is an obscene act and I feel horribly for individuals in Bexhill-on-Sea for whom this event may have shocked or frightened. To my supporters there, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and a promise that I will continue to make work that provokes meaningful change and progress in our shared society.

See the full statement from the artist here  

Seated will continue to be restored professionally and will re-open on Saturday 3 June, where we invite everyone to enjoy a picnic with the artist on the lawns around the sculpture and celebrate the power of art to galvanise and connect people and communities. Details to follow.

On Monday 15 May, Tschabalala Self’s public sculpture, Seated, was vandalised.

The sculpture, which has been temporarily installed outside the De La Warr Pavilion, is of a seated Black woman positioned looking out to sea. The perpetrator covered the entirety of the woman’s skin with white spray-paint.

In conversation with the artist, we have been considering what steps to take in order to protect the artwork and the wider impact of this act on our staff and communities. We have received considerable support in response to this vandalism and the sculpture will be uncovered so that the restoration is visible to everyone.

UPDATE:

The De La Warr Pavilion invites you to
AN EVENT OF RESTORATION AND SUPPORT
In response to the vandalism of Tschabalala Self’s Seated

Sunday 21 May
11am – 1pm
De La Warr Pavilion Lawns, Bexhill

On Monday 15 May, vandals attacked Tschabalala Self’s public sculpture of a seated Black woman positioned looking out to sea. The entirety of her skin was spray-painted white.

Following conversations with the artist, the Pavilion invites you to join us on Sunday 21 May, 11am – 1pm to help remove the paint and bring the community together in an act of peaceful resistance.

This event has been organised by the De La Warr Pavilion and supported by Tschabalala Self, the artist.

You will be provided with gloves and tools. Please wear suitable clothing to protect your skin whilst using white spirit. We recommend long trousers and long sleeves for protection. 

Members of the community have asked how they can donate towards the cost of the restoration. You can donate in several ways:

By Text
Text DLWP to 70507 to give £5.
Standard network rates apply/ De La Warr Pavilion will receive 100% of your donation.
Registered charity number 1065586.

Online
You can donate online here

In the Pavilion
Use the Tap To Donate device in the gallery or on the Box Office counter

Rother  District Council has been awarded over £19m for community, creativity and skills in Bexhill.

The investment of £19,192,000 from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund will enable the delivery of cultural-led regeneration to improve the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Rother.

The money will help fund the transformation of the De La Warr Pavilion on Bexhill seafront and the development of new community facilities in Sidley, creating new jobs, upskilling local residents and bolstering career progression in the area’s creative and cultural sectors, particularly for young people.

Cllr Doug Oliver, leader of Rother District Council, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded government funding to level up community, creativity and skills in Rother. This investment gives us the opportunity to harness the potential of the iconic De La Warr Pavilion, providing learning and skills opportunities as well as creating new jobs. It will also enable us to work with Heart of Sidley (Big Local) to develop a much-needed community and recreation facility in the heart of Sidley, which will support the local community. The funding will be transformative for our communities.”

The De La Warr Pavilion is a pioneering centre for arts and culture that plays a pivotal role in driving the local economy through tourism, regeneration and skills development in Rother, East Sussex and the wider South East region. The proposed development includes improved accessibility for audiences, new auditorium technical and other learning facilities, the redevelopment of spaces for outdoor community events, and new environmental systems to help meet net carbon neutral ambitions. The total cost of the scheme is £23.4m and funding will be sought from other sources to cover the remainder of the project costs.
Stewart Drew, Director & CEO, De La Warr Pavilion, said: “Earl De La Warr’s vision for our amazing building was a People’s Palace that would drive the growth, prosperity and culture of the area. We want to be more relevant to more people and are hugely excited about the potential of this project to reach the more disadvantaged communities in our area and continue to be a catalyst for growth and prosperity. More spaces and better facilities mean we will be able to dramatically increase creative engagement, deliver high quality skills training including T Levels, provide flexible learning spaces, and attract new visitors.”

In a project led by Heart of Sidley (Big Local), the Levelling Up investment will also fund crucial community facilities in Sidley, one of the most deprived wards in the country. The proposed community hub at Sidley Recreation Ground will connect Sidley with the De La Warr Pavilion and the town centre, providing increased opportunities for residents to develop their skills and access education and employment.
Jay Carroll, Chair of Heart of Sidley, said: ‘As Heart of Sidley approaches the last two years as a Big Local area, this is some very exciting news. Enabling us, without question, to align our vision in fulfilling a lasting legacy in fully transforming the old toilet block at Sidley Recreation Ground, into a state-of-the-art community hub and sports changing facilities. We want local people to have as much opportunity as possible to be actively involved, and to feel proud to be part of a community with such a commitment to its future.”

Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill and Battle and sponsor of RDC’s Levelling Up Fund application, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Rother has been successful in this hugely significant Levelling Up bid which I have been proud to support. This £19m funding demonstrates the government’s commitment to levelling up extends to communities in the South East which are often, mistakenly, considered to be affluent. We have six of England’s most deprived wards in Rother and this funding will improve access to vital learning and training opportunities as well as giving tourism and the local economy a tremendous boost. The De La Warr Pavilion already does great work in working with our local communities and this bid will enable to do so much more. It is really important to me that this project will deliver opportunities for the residents of Sidley.”

Read our Frequently Asked Questions here

De La Warr Pavilion
The De La Warr Pavilion (DLWP) is a centre for arts and culture in an iconic modernist building by the sea, designed by refugee Erich Mendelsohn and émigré Serge Chermayeff. It opened in 1935 as the ‘people’s palace for art and culture’ and now produces an innovative and integrated cultural programme of exhibitions and learning programmes as well as a diverse and popular programme of live music and comedy.
The Pavilion takes the lead in the development of cultural tourism and skills in the region and plays a central role in the cultural and economic growth in Sussex.
For more information visit www.dlwp.com

Heart of Sidley (Big Local)
Heart of Sidley is a Big Local area. 8 years ago, we were awarded £1milllion by Local Trust to make a massive and lasting positive difference to our community. The Heart of Sidley started to use its funding in 2014 and is due to finish in 2025. The idea behind the Big Local is about bringing together all the local talent, ambitions, skills and energy from individuals, groups and organisations who want to make their area an even better place to live.
Heart of Sidley is a community-led partnership, led entirely by local residents, in partnership with local organisations, businesses and others. We’re supported by a Big Local representative and two locally trusted organisations – Rother Voluntary Action and Optivo.
As we prepare our charity, Heart of Sidley Community Association, for the exciting future ahead, we continue to work with the community to ensure that we work towards the community’s priorities. We have a very proactive and driven group of people on board, who are all part of the Sidley community themselves. We ensure voices are heard and action is taken in our commitment to improving the area and opportunities for local people.
For more information visit https://heartofsidley.co.uk/

At the end of another year, we would like to thank you all for your continued support.

Whether you are a ticket buyer, gallery visitor, artist, musician, young person, workshop participant, Instagram follower or just here to meet your friends in the Café, we love that we are at the heart of such a wonderful community of people.

And as we head towards economically challenging times, we are grateful for the support of over 1000 Members & Patrons, Arts Council England (NPO) and Rother District Council.

We would like to say thank you and wish you all  “peace and goodwill” this festive season. You can hear these words spoken in over 30 languages in Peace and Goodwill, a winter soundscape on our north staircase by artist Mary Hooper, which acts as a soundtrack to a new commission of illuminated lanterns – Ice and Snowflake – created by Radiator Arts and our own Blueprint Collective. If you can’t get to visit us this Christmas, then you can still hear Peace and Goodwill on our soundcloud here.

The Pavilion is a registered warm space, ready to welcome you throughout the holiday season.  Originally built in 1935 with a grant from the Ministry of Health the Pavilion, with its large glass windows and doors, was acknowledged as a natural solarium, harnessing the sunshine of the south coast to create a bright, warm place where people could rest and restore.

We hope you will do the same here this holiday season –  visit our free exhibitions, shop, eat and enjoy all the Pavilion has to offer.

With peace and goodwill

Stewart Drew

Director & CEO

Congratulations to the DLWP Volunteers Team who won Rother Voluntary Action’s Volunteer of the Year Award 2022!

Our nomination said:

Our fantastic  volunteers work on a range of projects but most regularly they support our Art Sundays and our Holiday Art Activities. These are free creative activities that targets young people and families from low socio-economic backgrounds. The volunteers work every second Sunday from 1 – 5pm and also during holidays, for example our Sunset Screenings during August.

Each volunteer welcomes participants and makes them feel comfortable. They talk them through the art activity and support them in learning skills like cutting out shapes, collage, painting, drawing and 3D making. They give them encouragement and guidance. Each Art Sunday we cater for 60 – 100 participants, which we could never achieve without our volunteers!

Overall as a team they work about 800 hours a year to support all our community activity. The group also leads Building Tours giving an insight into the history of Bexhill, the De La Warr Pavilion Building and architecture, popular with the older members of our community. They also volunteer and help with our accessible inclusive gigs for adults with physical and learning disabilities. Their support is vital to us being able to help so much of our community.

Pictured is Ron Wood, who has been a volunteer for ten years, who accepted the Award on behalf of the team.

Kim Byford, Project Director Talent Accelerator is offering one-to-one 30-minute  free online coaching session available all day on 19th, 20th and 21st December – follow the link below to book:

https://calendly.com/kim-byford/creative-ucas-application-support

If these times don’t suit or you would prefer to meet in person, please contact Kim Byford kim.byford@dlwp.com to book a time.

Kim Byford  joined DLWP as Project Director for the Talent Accelerator from Bexhill College where she was Head of Performing Arts and Associate Principal (Community). In this role she took a wide-angle view of the College’s relationships within the local community as well as forging relationships with the arts community to ensure clear career progression routes for young people.

Kim was part of the steering group, with Rother District Council, De La Warr Pavilion and Flatland Projects, for the development of Beeching Road Studios, a new creative hub for Bexhill. She understands the local context for young people and is committed to supporting them to fulfilling creative careers.

Kim has had a long career post-16 education working in a variety of Colleges and Sixth forms across the country since 2000. She is committed to introducing  children and young people to new experiences, believing that this builds confidence which increases achievement across the curriculum and raises aspiration. Previously she has taken students to perform in Venice, receive conservatoire actor training in Prague as well as a host of performances in festivals and venues.

Kim will use her experience to lead the Talent Accelerator programme – to develop stronger ties between industry and education to create a unique framework enabling education settings and creative industry employers to co-design new learning and real-world skills programmes. Talent Accelerator will help our young people:

• Understand the different types of companies and organisations in the creative, cultural and digital sectors and the range of roles and opportunities on offer.

• Increase their creativity, identify the skills needed for those roles and support them to develop and add to their own skillset.

• Give them valuable experience working alongside creative people in vibrant and exciting places and spaces.

• Prepare them take advantage of the growing creative, cultural, and digital employment opportunities East Sussex has to offer – or even create their own.

Read more about Talent Accelerator here

Artist Mary Hooper is composing a sound track for this year’s Christmas lantern installation in the north staircase of the Pavilion. The sound track will be compiled from recordings of winter woodland sounds, footsteps in the snow, ice melting, and reindeer.

Mary would like to feature  voices of people from different countries saying “peace and goodwill” speaking in their own languages.

If you would like please follow the instructions  below – any age or gender or nationality is welcome to join in!

How to record:

• Please record on your phone yourself, or a friend or relative saying “peace and goodwill” in your/their own language
• Try to record without too much noise in the background.
• Leave a short pause – count to 4 and say “peace and goodwill”
• After you have spoken the words count to 4 again, stop recording and save.
• Email the recording to  to ma.hooper1@btinternet.com with the subject line “Christmas message” or share to whatsapp on 07939645939 with the subject title Christmas message.

Thank you for taking part!  The deadline is Tuesday 6 December.

If you would like your name mentioned then  please write your name in the email or message.