Arts Champions from Helenswood Academy performing 'The Myth of Persephone'. Photo taken by Sin Bozkurt
The Hastings and Rother Arts Champions are a group of Yr 8 - Yr 13 students from 6 local schools and colleges, who work to champion and shape the arts in their schools, colleges and communities. As part of Children's Art Week 2015, they produced Brilliant Horizon - a weekend of free events and activities for visitors to the De La Warr Pavilion on 20 and 21st June.
THE MANIFESTO SHOW

From the academic Discourses of Sir Joshua Reynolds to the impassioned manifestos of the early 20th-century's avant-garde to bold statements by Bob and Roberta Smith, artists have perpetually laid out their visions for the value of art and design, and ways both can contribute to a better society.

Since the start of this academic year, the Arts Champions have been examining a number of contemporary manifestos for the arts, which inspired them to produce their own. In the Manifesto Show they present a selection of these manifestos - bold visions that demand active citizenship.


The Hastings and Rother Arts Champions invite you to consider, debate and share these manifestos, and make your own pledge for the arts @HRAEN #showculturesomelove.
Photographs by Sin Bozkurt
THE MYTH OF PERSEPHONE

Working at Bexhill Museum, Arts Champions from Helenswood Academy uncovered an unrealized proposal, from 1934, to install a large statue of Persephone on the terrace of the De La Warr Pavilion. In response they devised a new drama and dance performance interpreting the Greek myth of Persephone, which started at the exact spot earmarked for the statue.
Photographs by Sin Bozkurt
THE HASTINGS AND ROTHER COMPLAINTS CHOIR

Arts Champions from St Richards Catholic College proposed a project inviting people to share their complaints. Participants worked with musician Otti Albietz, of 'Otti And The Voices', to transform a selection of the grumbles into a glorious harmony and perform at the De La Warr Pavilion bandstand. This open-source project was initiated by artists Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kotcha-Kalleinen.
Filmed by James Cosens
Photographs by Sin Bozkurt