Inintially covering the coastal strip from Brighton to Hastings, but open to anyone who feels connected to the Sussex Coast.

The South East Coast Hub was launched in September 2021, initially reaching from Brighton to Hastings, but open to anyone who feels connected to the Sussex Coast—an area already well known for its engagement in both culture and the environment.

Recent & Upcoming Hub Activities

• For Earth Day 2024, April 22, we are convening a Cultural Assembly at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. Join us! The theme is From Eco-Anxiety to Action: How do we free ourselves to take action for climate justice?
• In March 2024 we hosted an online event – The Offer: From Eco-Anxiety to Action – with talks by artist Maggie Scott and researcher Perpetua Kirby.
• For Earth Day 2023, the hub co-ordinated a regional programme of events  by local artists and organisations. 
• For Refugee Week 2022, the hub responded to the theme of Healing, and built alliances with refugee support groups to share ideas and take action around climate justice.

How to join

Join our Facebook group and get in touch – all are welcome! The Hub is coordinated by Amie Rai and Persephone Pearl in Brighton, and Polly Gifford in Hastings. We hold regular online meetings, and are also planning local in-person meetings and activity in each town. We can support you to declare emergency.

What’s so special about culture and climate on the Southeast Coast?

Cultural

• Home to the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe – two of the largest festivals in the UK – Brighton is the region’s main cultural hub with a huge number of creative organisations and freelancers.
• Hastings’ creative sector has grown quickly over the past 10 years and has become known for the number of small independent arts organisations and events based in the town.
• There are a number of Declarers in the region and a huge potential to inspire more.

Environmental

• A unique natural environment including the South Downs National Park, Brighton & Lewes Downs UNESCO World Biosphere Region, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and 65 SSSIs (in East Sussex)
• The coastal location puts the hub area on the front line of issues such as coastal erosion, sea level rise and marine pollution
• Active Transition Town and other environmental groups

Political

• Brighton has the UK’s only Green MP Caroline Lucas, and seven Green councillors in the local authority.
• Hastings elected its first Green Councillor in 2021, and five Greens sit on East Sussex County Council 
• Both councils have declared climate and ecological emergency