Culture forms a huge part of life in Rother with a number of gallery exhibitions, events and opportunities taking place throughout the year. The arts animate and inspire our communities and public spaces.

Home to the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, cultural venue of international standing and heritage significance we also have galleries across the district including blackShed Gallery in Robertsbridge and Rye Art Gallery.

Our drive to develop creative pathways into the sector have focused around the development of the Beeching Road Studios but include graduate opportunities at blackShed gallery and our arts education network with schools through HRAEN.

Rother District Council Events Funding

A photo of a dodo puppet

This funding stream is to support cultural events in Bexhill and Rye, and their surrounding areas, which have an immediate impact on local footfall and a subsequent impact on local spend. As part of the Regeneration team’s work, the allocation of this fund is based on data to evidence this growth. Applications will be considered throughout the year on an individual, rolling basis until the funding pot has been spent. Please download the attached form to make an application.

Rother Events Funding Application Form 2024-25

East Sussex Arts Partnership funding

The East Sussex Arts Partnership is formed of officers from 4 of the borough / district councils in the East Sussex area; Rother, Wealden, Eastbourne and Lewes together with East Sussex County Council and Arts Council. The East Sussex Arts Partnership has a small number of grants up to £500 available to match fund Arts Council applications and that support the East Sussex Cultural Strategy priorities:

  • Create an environment where great cultural experiences are available to everyone to enhance their quality of life
  • Create an environment which enables the cultural and creative economy to expand and enhances our ability to attract and retain other businesses
  • Develop and promote well packaged cultural tourism offers which celebrate the identity of East Sussex, raise its profile and attract more visitors and businesses to the County

To apply for funding we just need to have a copy of your ACE application with a covering email to explain how your projects meets the county cultural strategy priorities. The dates below are now confirmed deadlines to apply for 2024 and early 2025.

  • 5 April 2024 (decision 25 April 2024)
  • 5 July 2024 (decision 25 July 2024)
  • 4 October 2024 (decision 24 October 2024)
  • 3 January 2025 (decision 23 January 2025)

You can contact the relevant officer who will be happy to discuss your idea with you and check you are eligible to apply.

To apply for funding please send a copy of you ACE application with a covering email to explain how your projects meets the cultural strategy priorities to: Arts.Officer@eastsussex.gov.uk

Bexhill After Dark 2022
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