A new trans-operated gallery and community art space is set to open in Hastings this July, creating a dedicated platform for marginalised artists, perspectives and creative practices.
SIDEWAYS is a community gallery focused on what it describes as "Art in the Margins". The space aims to showcase both artists from marginalised communities, including neurodivergent, disabled, Global Majority, trans, queer, refugee and women artists - as well as art that is often overlooked or underrepresented within traditional gallery settings.
SIDEWAYS will begin with a soft launch on 11 July, marking Trans Pride with a two-week pop-up exhibition. An official opening is planned for the end of July, after which the gallery will host a rolling programme of monthly exhibitions on curated themes.
The gallery welcomes work across all artistic disciplines, including photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, textiles, mixed media, digital art, film and moving image, as well as poetry and literature.
Alongside its exhibition programme, SIDEWAYS will feature a small curated community library, inviting visitors to browse books and spend time reading either inside the gallery or in the surrounding mews.
Victoria Oldman, founder of SIDEWAYS, said: "SIDEWAYS should be a space of opportunity, where artists who might otherwise struggle to showcase their work can find a home. I'm really excited to be able to bring this space to Hastings and be part of the ongoing regeneration of St Andrews Mews."
SIDEWAYS is actively seeking artists, collaborators and community partners to help shape its future programme and welcomes enquiries from individuals and organisations interested in working together.
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