September 4 – September 30
About
Coastal Currents Arts Festival is an independent annual arts festival held across Hastings, St Leonards and East Sussex each September. Established in 1999, it celebrates contemporary art, performance, film and creative practice. The month-long programme includes exhibitions, open studios, installations and cultural events.
The festival showcases the region’s creative community and attracts artists, performers and visitors from across the South East.
What to See at Coastal Currents Arts Festival
Visitors can enjoy a diverse programme of events, including:
- Contemporary art exhibitions
- Open studios and artist showcases
- Live performances and installations
- Film screenings and digital projects
- Music, talks and creative workshops
- Community-led arts events
Many events take place in galleries, heritage buildings, gardens, public spaces and unusual venues, offering opportunities to experience art beyond traditional gallery settings.
Across Hastings, St Leonards and East Sussex
While Hastings and St Leonards form the heart of the festival, events also take place in Rye, Battle, Bexhill, Robertsbridge, Fairlight and other East Sussex locations.
From seafront spaces and historic buildings to independent galleries and working studios, Coastal Currents encourages visitors to explore the region while discovering new artists and creative projects.
Why Visit Coastal Currents Arts Festival
Coastal Currents is one of the South Coast’s most distinctive cultural festivals. Its combination of contemporary art, open studios, performance and community projects creates a varied programme that appeals to both dedicated arts enthusiasts and casual visitors.
The festival’s creative use of location helps showcase the unique character, heritage and artistic talent found across Hastings, St Leonards and the wider East Sussex area.
Stay at Apollo Guest House
Apollo Guest House provides a convenient base for visitors attending Coastal Currents Arts Festival. Located in Hastings, it offers easy access to festival venues across Hastings Old Town, St Leonards and the surrounding East Sussex coast.
