Hastings: Fishing community set for living history project  
2025-01-27
Category: entertainment

One of Europe's oldest fishing communities is to be the focus of an exhibition and cultural project.The "living histories" of the fishing community of Hastings, East Sussex, at the town's Hastings Contemporary gallery are being collected to display.  The project is part of a season of events that celebrate the "unique knowledge, skills and practices of the Hastings fishing fleet".A gallery spokesperson said it will "preserve an intangible cultural heritage for future generations".
The exhibition is part of a year-long project to create an online archive of oral histories, an illustrated map of the historic Stade area, and a programme of community events and engagement activities.The scheme has received a grant of almost £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Artist Mary Hooper is creating an oral history archive by means of an immersive sound installation, The Sun Feeds the Wind, which will be at the gallery from 29 March for six months.  
The Hastings fishing fleet consists of about 25 boats. It is one of the oldest remaining beach-launched fishing fleets in Europe.Paul Joy, chairperson of Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society, said: "As custodians of the sea, we connect our town to its history, with traditions which pre-date 1066."And to its future - offering answers to the challenges facing our oceans and coastal communities. "We are excited to share our stories and preserve them for future generations."Kathleen Soriano, interim director at Hastings Contemporary, said, "The project will allow us to find new creative ways to celebrate and share the rich industrial and cultural heritage of our town, showcasing cultural traditions, practices and sounds which are at risk of being lost."
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