Hastings and St Leonards live advent calendar hits the streets

Hastings and St Leonards will be getting an advent calendar with a difference this Christmas –  a living art one.
Hattie SpiceHattie Spice
Hattie Spice

Set designer and art director Hattie Spice explains: “The winter of 2020 is going to be a challenging time for all of us. As the darkness descends, we all need to focus on being positive and supportive of one another through to the end of this very difficult year.

“With this in mind, I thought I would come up with something that is designed and intended to bring some joy in the run-up to Christmas. The concept is simple. A living advent calendar! It is called The Hastings & St Leonards Big ADVENTure.

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“Every day from December 1-24, a new piece of work is unveiled in a variety of locations around Hastings and St Leonards.

“The works will range from 2D work, sculptures, sound works, illuminations, installations and projections, created by the wonderful, talented people that live in this town. Some will be small and hard to find; others will be more obvious. The locations will be announced in the days before each one is revealed, on our social media platforms with information about the creators.

“These people/groups will be a cross-section of the huge pool of talent in the area, from established artists, makers, musicians, students and school children. Each will have a story to tell. The locations will range from shop windows, buildings and streets. Each new piece remains in situ for the duration of the advent period, for all to enjoy in a socially-distanced way at any time and will unfold into a trail that can be enjoyed in the run up to Christmas. Because it is all in windows and on private buildings, the project is very Covid safe because it is not an event and people can look as they take their daily exercise, go to work/school.

“The mission is to be positive, uplifting and thought-provoking as well bringing a smile to people's faces

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“The project is very much run on goodwill at the moment and everybody who is making work for it has been super supportive, including the council. The plan is to create this as an annual event and apply for more funding next year and include even more people, hopefully with a live performance element if we are allowed by then!”

The artists and participants this year include: Leigh Dyer, Peter Quinell, Angelina Paloma, The Hastings Contemporary, Robsack Wood Primary Academy and Blue Lily (singer, songwriter, artist).

“We are doing a QR code poster for this, to be able to listen to music without gathering together.”

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