Culture And Memory

Time and Tide: the intangible cultural heritage of the Hastings fishing fleet

This major project co-designed with one of the most disenfranchised working-class communities in England – Hastings’ fishing community – will document, celebrate and raise awareness of one of Europe’s largest, oldest beach-launched fishing fleets. This is a culturally rich and historically important area, where traditions pre-date 1066. In the face of the growing environmental crisis and an ageing workforce, the fishing fleet is on the cusp of extinction. Working in partnership with Hastings Fishermen’s Protection Society, we will empower the fishing community to share their stories and cultural traditions, ensuring they are passed on to the wider community and future generations. From Hastings Contemporary’s unique position flanked by the fishing community on the beach, we will harness our artistic and participatory expertise to find new, creative ways to share this rich industrial and cultural heritage, preserving and showcasing cultural traditions and sounds which are at risk of being lost.