Hastings TOWN CENTRE MURALS
ENHANCING OUR CURIOUS TOWN
At Curious Agenda CIC, we are passionate about nurturing creativity and building community through the arts. We strive to inspire curiosity and connection among residents and visitors alike through our community projects and events.
We are on a mission to transform empty spaces across Hastings into vibrant canvases that brighten up the Town Centre.
The old Debenhams building in Hastings has become a vibrant canvas, thanks to the hard work of the Curious Agenda team, alongside the creative talents of local artists Joshua Piel and Stanley Cush. These hoardings, currently shielding the vacant structure, were transformed into two captivating murals that celebrate the town's rich musical heritage and enduring commitment to green initiatives.
meet the artists -
CUSH.ONE &
Master skosh
Stanley Cush, known in the art world as Cush.One, hails from West London but has firmly planted his roots in Hastings. With a background steeped in the vibrancy of global cultures, reggae music, and sound system culture, Stanley's work is a fusion of surrealism, pop art, and graphic novel illustration. His portfolio boasts an array of murals and designs, including notable projects like the GUAP Studios mural in Canning Town, East London.
Stanley's unique style and deep connection to music made him an ideal choice for this project.
Joshua Piel, otherwise known as Master Skosh, is well known for their collaborations with Stanley Cush and involvement in this initiative, alongside other locations around town, highlighting their standing in the local art community.
Other prominent work by Josh include the Love Hastings Mural at Pelham Arcade and the giant orange octopus at The Old Bathing Pool Site in St Leonards.“I love turning neglected spaces into desirable places! I’m a professional urban contemporary Artist with 20 years experience in Graffiti.”
Together, they bring a blend of experience and fresh perspective, ensuring the murals resonate with both locals and visitors.
Hastings is Music
Celebrate the Sound of Our Town!
At Curious Agenda we believe every wall has a story, and with our latest project, Hastings is Music, we’re turning our town into a gallery of sound and creativity, celebrating the eclectic beats, rock-and-roll soul and artistic spirit that defines our community.
this project captures the essence of Hastings’ music scene, honoring some of the musicians and venues that have helped define our town.
Musical artists featured in the mural are:
Suggs (Madness), John Martyn, Hot Wax, Green Tea Peng, Howard Griffiths, Kid Kapichi, Tom Chaplin, Danny Howells, John Digweed
Hastings: A Musical Legacy
Hastings boasts a rich and diverse music scene, bursting at the seams with local legends and unforgettable moments, from local bands igniting the stage at iconic venues to unforgettable events that draw crowds from all over.
The vibrant soundscape is filled with everything—from high-energy DJ sets to the rhythmic beats of the local drum groups. Festivals like the celebrated Fat Tuesday showcase this eclectic vibe, support grassroots music and bring together the community in celebration. Hastings dances to its own beat, with its musical history woven into the fabric of the town.
In a world where venues and musicians face unprecedented challenges, supporting our local talent is more crucial than ever. By celebrating our community’s talent, we aim to help keep the spirit of creativity alive and thriving.
hastings is green
Reflecting the town's long-standing affinity for all things green, this mural pays homage to traditions like the “Jack in the Green” festival, with a Green lady set amongst the backdrop of a classic Hastings scene and greenery.
Hastings' traditional Jack in the Green welcomes the summer with four glorious days of festivities around the May Day weekend, and is the biggest event of its kind in the country, and a well-loved Hastings tradition.
The Hastings is Green mural also nods to Hastings Borough Council's ambitious plans to rejuvenate areas such as Robertson Street, transforming them into greener, more inviting spaces. These plans aim to develop safe, vibrant, and inclusive public spaces, promoting active and sustainable travel, and enhancing biodiversity to boost public health and resilience against climate change.
Hastings has a "Green Connections" project, a town center initiative focused on improving public spaces, promoting walking and cycling, and increasing biodiversity, with the aim of making the area more green, attractive, and resilient to environmental challenges.
Community collaboration
This project is a testament to community spirit and collaboration.
Special thanks go to Moxie Management for their invaluable funding for paint and permission to use the space, enabling this artistic endeavour.
We also extend our gratitude to contributing guest artists Georgie 'G Whizz' Wheeler and Ajax Piper, whose talents have enriched this initiative with joyful seagull and mushroom additions.
These murals not only beautify our town but also serve as a reminder of Hastings' rich cultural tapestry and its forward-thinking approach to urban regeneration.
From the building freeholders…
What’s in Store?
Firstly, what fun it has been working with Curious Agenda to create these beautiful pieces of artwork! They are stunning and liven up busy Robertson Street.
We hope to be working with Curious Agenda to design and paint some artwork for the rear of the building in the near future.
So, what’s planned for the building? What is going on behind the gorgeous artwork?
We have been working closely with Dyer and Hobbis, a local property agent, and carrying out our own research to plan the next steps for this fantastic building.
It has become very clear that it is very unlikely that we will find one tenant who has the right sustainable business to lease the entire 80,000 sq feet on offer. To this end, we are currently working with an architect, builder and other service operator to split the site into approximately 6 stand-alone units.
We are hoping to attract a wide range of potential end users - entertainment providers and restaurants for example – to build on the areas of the past business that were a success.
Clearly, this means further investment in the building by us – but we are still as committed and enthusiastic about this important building and its place in the heart of Hastings today, as we were when Debenhams were in occupation.
We hope to use this platform to update you on our progress.
Moxie Management Two Limited
Murals are proven to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour and increase pride in the community and the feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.
We hope to find funding to be able to brighten up the town with more public art, bringing colour and life to empty and derelict spaces around Hastings.