Devonshire Collective (DC) is a cultural and community organisation operating across a network of ex-retail sites in the Devonshire West ward, Eastbourne – a vibrant area with a long-standing community.
We commission significant first solo exhibitions by emerging and underrepresented artists living in East Sussex and nationally, and our off-site learning and engagement programme for families and communities in the Devonshire West ward is free and open to all. Visit our Exhibitions and Learning pages to learn more.
We are just one road back from the seaside in the heart of a buzzing community of cafes, grocers and independent shops. Our gallery, VOLT, is at 67 Seaside Road BN21 3PL, and is open Thursday-Sunday, 11-5pm. New website forthcoming December 2022.
Background
In 2016, Eastbourne Borough Council and Eastbourne Housing Investment Company supported the transformation of three of its empty ex. retail properties on Seaside Road and Seaside into creative spaces (originally called DC1, DC2 and DC3) for the benefit of artists and community members. The project was part of a larger social and economic regeneration project in the Devonshire West ward, which hosts a vibrant and diverse community, but is rated in the top 10% most deprived areas of the country.
Today, DC consists of:
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A wheelchair accessible gallery
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A wheelchair accessible studio complex with ceramics facility
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An offsite learning and engagement programme
Vision
A dynamic, accessible, high-quality creative and cultural programme, where everyone is welcome and feels inspired to participate.
Mission
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Actively promote diversity and inclusion.
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Widen access and increase participation for local audiences.
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Inspire children and young people as the next generation of artists.
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Celebrate everyday creativity through artist-led learning.
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A cultural destination in the ward, working towards a greater sense of civic pride.
Devonshire Collective Board of Directors
Lucy Day - Chair
Joe Hill
Claire Shoosmith
Noelle Collins
Hannah Jordan
Marie Burgess
Steve Dwyer - Treasurer
Chris Connelley
Nicholas Roberts
Devonshire Collective Staff team
Edward Ball, Director
Adam Spain, Exhibitions and Development Manager
Gina Leonard, DC Learn Coordinator
Nadine Crawford-Piper, Finance Manager