ABOUT F-ISH
F-ISH is a major statement of intent for the development of Hastings as a centre for cutting edge new Art. It reflects a shared vision by curators, entrepreneurs and the public sector. For the past four years Sid & Jenny have been curating independently and jointly, advising artists about their work whilst building a select stable of emerging artists who are conceptually strong, with immaculately executed work and an emphasis on environmental and sustainability concerns. Their project has operated as both a floating gallery and now as the foundation of the newly built (completion 1.9.08), space ‘F-ISH’ (2,500 sq. ft), in the Sea Space CMC2 building Hastings which opened as a pre build shell space with Mario Rossi's Wonderland (31.8.07 – 23.9.07).
F-ISH has been made possible by the shared vision of Simon Hedges and Peter Stonham a creative industries and urban development entrepreneur, who identified the empty premises owned by the local regeneration agency Sea Space as a perfect location for the project. Sea Space quickly shared the vision and put in motion a high specification fit out plan. F-ISH will be working with a mixture of local, national and International artists. f-ish will aim to raise the profile of art in the area and support and develop work practise in the pursuit of excellence. f-ish will work with other local agencies and government initiatives as well as individuals and groups to further raise the region’s profile and its cultural development. F-ISH will expand and engage new as well as existing audiences.
Simon Hedges founded and directed The Underwood Street Gallery (1991-2003), one of the formative galleries in Shoreditch for young emerging artists. USG provided an umbrella of four galleries and 50 artists studios and essentially a springboard for many British and international artists mounting fifty exhibitions in fifteen years. USG received over 40 regional, National, international public and private funds. USG also set up other projects such as an Artists record label.
Peter Stonham has created and run an independent publishing and events company for over twenty years, now expanded in to many new media knowledge driven networking businesses. Its activities are both based in London and Hastings, where the travel, leisure and creative industries business is now located. Among these enterprises Peter has led the development of The Resource in Urban Design Information, Altwear Magazine, Cinema Business, UKTourismpro.net and a range of industry seminars and awards. Recent innovations include creative arts and performance events and local and national arts and arts regeneration conferences. Peter Stonham is a member of the academy of Urbanism.
