Thanks to everyone who attended the opening of the Nereids exhibition at the Badger Inc on Hastings seafront. Go see the show until 30 September 2022 – supported by the Arts Council England.
Photographer Caitlin Lock created the most beautiful exhibition of local influential women in culture, selected by Tina Morris, Director of Coastal Currents.
Watch the Making of Nereids here:
In no particular order – The Nereids 2022:
Gail Borrow – Insanely talented originator and Creative Director of A Town Explores a Book based in St Leonards and so close to my heart as she is relentless in the pursuit of raising funds for inclusive, educative arts delivered in engaging and fun ways.
Erica Smith – Designer and community leader who set up Hastings Creatives and Hastings Online Times without which artists would be a bit lost on this part of the coast. You only have to Google her to see the first listing is entitled “Do something”. Erica remains one of the women for whom I have the most respect and her free contribution to the cultural development of the town should be recognised.
Sally Ann Lycett – Incredible supporter, programmer, originator and marketer of the arts, Sally has more energy in her left toe than most in their whole lifetimes. Director of External Relations at the De La Warr and my ex boss of my first job in culture in Sussex, this area wouldn’t be the same without Sally’s invaluable input.
Mandy Curtis – Director of 18 Hours an amazing events company based in Bexhill, that have run St Leonards Festival , Hastings Storytelling Festival and Journeys Dance amongst others. Mandy’s vision and ethical approach to running her organisation has always been influential on me.
Dawn Dublin – Entrepreneur and ideas generator, who connects communities quietly and effectively. Dawn is a force of energy that is so needed to bring communities together and light fires under projects that most might shy away from. Founder of Unveiled, a small company with big ideas for positive, sustainable change, working towards a world of greater diversity, equality and inclusion.
Sally Greig – amongst other things is Director and Eggtooth co-Founder, a local not-for profit that does the most amazing things for young people including setting up The Nest on the high street in Hastings. Sally leads on projects like Incubate Music which transform talented kids lives.
Tara Reddy – Founder and relentless campaigner for the link between arts and wellbeing, Tara created, Arts on Prescription, a not for profit organisation providing creative activities, reminiscence and confidence building workshops designed to enhance mental health, wellbeing and promote social engagement.
Melita Dennett – Music mogul and BBC Radio Introducing DJ, broadcaster, arts campaigner and such a supportive influence on each and every one of the talented local young musicians. Melita has given up so much time and love for musicians from this coast and often is so deft yet life changing.
Thank you to the Badger Inc for hosting this exhibition as it means so much to everyone involved.