OBX is the Creative Technology hub for Hastings Commons. We are based on the mezzanine floor in the Observer Building. We work with local communities and artists to run workshops, talks, exhibitions and arts projects. We explore opportunities presented by creative technology to build stronger communities, develop great art and talent and support employment potential. We aim to be led and inspired by communities local to our building.

Find an event to attend here: OBX Eventbrite

Here is a preparation story for people who may benefit from preparing ahead of visiting our space: OBX Preparation Story


What We Do

Dream/Time

Young people from Hastings commissioned a new work by local artist Mark Lawson Bell for the Coastal Currents Festival 2024. The work is about the future of Hastings, 2024 – 2124 and what it means to be alive, past, future present. The young programmers have been guided by prominent local organisations including Project Art Works and Trans Pride Hastings through an OBX upskilling project called ‘Commoning the Programme’ which has been part funded by Arts Council England.

Invented Futures

Taking inspiration from John Logie Baird’s experiments in Hastings which led to the invention of television, young people have worked with sound artist Isobel Anderson, animator Isabel Garrett and the team at OBX to create a striking video installation about future innovations they’d like to see.

Printing the Future

In 2022, working with artists Zeroh Studio, we created a mass 3D portrait of over 300 people who live and work in Hastings. Each person was 3D scanned and the manitures were exhibited at the Observer Building. OBX is now working with 3D printed chocolate, to create new art works and kick start conversations about possible future solutions to food poverty. Read more here

Digital Trinity Triangle

The Digital Trinity Triangle is part of the Heritage Action Zone and uses photogrammetry and video gaming to promote the rich heritage and stories of the Trinity Triangle in Hastings. Current plans include aiming to roll out our 'Trinity Triangle' interactive game across Hastings.

Game in a Day

This is a one day workshop where people learn to use professional video game tools through developing a creative outlet for their ideas. The day includes the creation of stories, characters, and backgrounds using industry standard game engines and sound technology. Our last Game in a Day was with young people but its suitable for all ages! For more information about workshops please email obx@hastingscommons.com

OBX Connects

A free programme of talks held on the first Thursday of each month by local and national digital artists on varied topics (so far AI activism, Feminist Crip-Tech, Neurodiversity and video games). The evening also includes community round ups, where people can talk about their own work, find project collaborators and meet other interesting local people.

Commoning the Programme

Designed with and for young people and communities in Hastings, we aim to build the local digital arts ecology, initially through training young people in arts programming, who will commission new artworks. These will be shown publicly as part of the Observer Building Centenary Anniversary in 2024, questioning and exploring the future and the next 100 years at the Observer Building. The programme is designed to address the “Power and Pitfalls of Programming" and examines who makes decisions about which art gets shown to the public and how art is valued.

Creative Tech Taster Sessions

One day or half day activities, developing digital confidence through creative sessions in VR drawing, digital design, electronic sound, and 3d model making. Initially we have been rolling these out with groups of young people working with ‘Get Digital’ who support young people with care experience and Motivate, youth forums run by Fresh Visions. For more information about workshops please email obx@hastingscommons.com

Motivate X

Working with Motivate Youth Forum, OBX are helping to set up MotivateX: a series of satellite creative technology hubs embedded within communities of young people providing access to the tools we use at OBX in their neighbourhoods to make digital art. Motivate is run by Fresh Visions.

Understory

Understory is a tool developed by Onion Collective, for us to map the network of relationships that support our organisations and people. It builds community strength by helping a community to understand itself better. The map enables us to see who we have here in the community, what goals everyone is working towards, and how each of our organisations connect. This information will tell us how to build stronger ties between people and stronger collaborations around our goals. See the Hastings Understory network


Join a Regular Event

18:30 - 20:30

OBX (in the Observer Building)

Free

Register via our events page

10:00 - 12:00

OBX (in the Observer Building)

Free

Just turn-up or email obx@hastingscommons.com

09:30 - 10:30

OB Cafe (in the Observer Building)

Free

Register via our events page


Projects with Artists

How we can support artists

Partners

Young People

"This is the best thing I've ever done!"

(Young Person after taking part in a Game in a Day Workshop)


Partners & Funders

Youth Projects

Fresh Visions - Motivate 
East Sussex College
Get Digital - East Sussex County Council
Bexhill 6th Form College

3D Chocolate

Lee Degiorgio

Get in touch!

Contact Us

We love hearing from you. Email OBX@hastingscommons.com with any questions or thoughts!

Looking for wellbeing support?

Are you looking for support with your wellbeing? Is there an organisation that might be able to provide that? Why don't you check out Hub of Hope to see.

Visit Us

OBX is based in the mezzanine floor of the Observer Building.

53 Cambridge Road, Hastings, TN34 1DT.

The floor is fully accessible with lift access.

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