SELECTED ARTISTS - ODYSSEY

Hastings Contemporary and Sussex Contemporary have partnered to launch our first Open exhibition.

Our first open exhibition celebrates the creative force of Sussex, bringing together artwork by over 150 artists from across the region. Each work offers a unique and personal reflection on the theme of Odyssey, journeying through time, place, imagination and experience.

The exhibited works were selected from over 2,600 entries, and span painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, film and installation, reflecting the ambition, diversity and creative bravery of the region. All works will be available to purchase in person.

This milestone, gallery-wide exhibition at Hastings Contemporary includes artists of international renown; Jennifer Binnie, Rachel Howard, Gary Hume, Martin Maloney, Alessandro Raho, Anne Ryan, Andrew Sabin and presents an exciting snapshot of artistic excellence in Sussex in 2026. All works will be available to purchase.

Theme: Odyssey

This theme reflects on journeys shaped by tides, time, and transformation, on the restless call of the sea and the stories it inspires. Hastings, a place long defined by its proximity to the coast, provides a fitting setting for such explorations. We welcome work that resonates with our mission, engaging with marine ecology, climate change, and the fragile richness of coastal life.

PRIVATE VIEW

The Hastings Contemporary team have been in touch with all selected artists about the preview evening for Odyssey - please email registrar@hastingscontemporary.org if you have not received that correspondence and your invite.

Judges

The final selection was chosen from more than 2,500 entries by an expert panel, bringing together leading voices from the worlds of art, culture, broadcasting and environmental advocacy:


Chris Packham, wildlife broadcaster and onservationist; Elena Crippa, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art at the Courtauld Gallery; Eva Langret, Director, EMEA for Frieze; Fiona Banner, artist; Isabel Rock, artist and activist; Kathleen Soriano, Director, Hastings Contemporary; Zoe Lyons, comedian and Oceans Ambassador.

  • ARTIST DROP-OFF & COLLECTION

    Artists collect unsold work from the venue:

    4th June 2026

    Venue address:

    Hastings Contemporary
    Rock-a-Nore Road
    Hastings TN34 3DW

    What3Words: ///drew.await.puff

  • EXHIBITION DATES & SALES

    Private View

    27th March 2026

    28th March 2026

    Exhibition Open To The Public

    28 March 2026 - 31 May 2026

    Check opening hours on Hasting Contemporary’s visit page here

  • SALES & COMMISSION

    All artworks in Odyssey will be for sale, as agreed upon entry to the show and selection process.

    Hastings Contemporary handles all sales.

    The commission will be levied at 30% for all artworks sold, by Hastings Contemporary.

    Artists will be responsible for collecting their work at the end of the exhibition and arranging delivery directly with the buyer. We do this to encourage contact between artists and buyers.

    Artists will be paid for their sold art within seven days of the end of the exhibition by bank transfer, as long as artist payment details have been received.

  • ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    Press release & associated images

    View the press release on Hasting Contemporary’s website here

    Terms & Conditions

    Please note; that by submitting an entry (or entries), you agreed to be bound to our terms and conditions and agreed that images of your work may be reproduced for use in marketing.

    For full terms and conditions, please click the link below:

    Odyssey Terms & Conditions

The Prizes

  • HASTINGS CONTEMPORARY PRIZE

    Sussex Spotlight hang in Hastings Contemporary. A new and dynamic area dedicated to creative excellence within the county. Selected by Kathleen Soriano.

  • THE SUSSEX CONTEMPORARY PRIZE

    2 x fully funded spots in our February 2027 democratic exhibition. Access to our Business of Art programme and 3 x mentoring sessions with Jo Myles.