Culture And Memory

Hastings Queer Underground - Now and Then

Home Live Art (HLA) supports a number of local, volunteer-led working groups in Hastings through its programme 'Good Stuff in Hastings' which has four priorities: Black Power, Queer Power, Senior Power and Environmental Power. The purpose of these groups is to give control/agency back to residents over decision-making, to improve local infrastructure and build a more inclusive/equitable town. This project will support the Hastings Queer History Collective (HQHC) to begin developing an infrastructure to support the identification/collection/preservation/interpretation of local LGBTQ history. This heritage is at significant risk as there has been a long-term lack of resources/infrastructure/interest from local heritage/cultural providers in preserving Queer culture. HQHC will undertake archival research and take oral histories to uncover/preserve/interpret Queer history in Hastings from 1850-2025, design/deliver an exhibition at Hastings Museum and Art Gallery (HMAG), curate a wrap-around engagement/arts programme and finally archive the project at Bishopsgate Institute for future generations.