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
Projects with Artists
How we can support artists
We are keen to engage with artists operating in the expansive field of digital arts. Our primary emphasis is on scheduled initiatives, but we are open to discovering more about people’s creative practices. Feel free to get in touch with us: obx@hastingscommons.com or come and say hello at our next OBX Connects event (1st Thursday evening of each month).
Upon gaining a deeper understanding of your work, we may be able to support your project through a partnership where we provide access to in-kind space, equipment, supporting funding applications, and/or technical guidance. Depending on the nature of your work and our funding situation, there might be a modest financial contribution and sometimes we offer commissions, so do keep an eye out for these.
Although we have achieved a lot we are a relatively new organisation with many diverse objectives. In addition to fostering the local arts and digital community, our primary emphasis lies in designing and delivering projects that empower young people aged 11-18 to enhance their digital skills and co-design projects with us.
OBX is presently supporting projects that celebrate the Trinity Triangle Heritage Action Zone. One of these projects is "Living Memories," an artwork crafted by artist Emma Harding. Engaging with individuals from various locations in Hastings, including shops, coffee bars, and day centres, Emma has been discussing and collecting their memories, which she has then cast into ceramic tiles. Collaborating with students from Bexhill College, Emma will also be filming these narratives and projection mapping them onto the tiles at a special event in March 2024.
Partners
Collaborating with like-minded organisations to pool resources and expertise for a common vision is a key focus for us. If you have any proposals on how we could collaborate, we welcome the opportunity to discuss them. Feel free to reach out to us at obx@hastingscommons.com or meet us in person at our next OBX Connects event, held on the first Thursday evening of each month.
Young People
Here at OBX we are developing new projects all of the time. To keep up to date with ways you can get involved:
- Follow us on social media (Facebook, X and Instagram)
- Sign-up for our mailing list (bottom of page)
- Ask a parent/carer/guardian to get in touch with us via email: obx@hastingscommons.com
- Don't forget to also check out the Hastings Youth Commons for other projects you could get involved with!
"This is the best thing I've ever done!"
(Young Person after taking part in a Game in a Day Workshop)
Partners & Funders
E Waste & Digital Exclusion
Make and Mend Bexhill and Beyond
The Library of Things
Hastings Voluntary Action
Youth Projects
Fresh Visions - Motivate
East Sussex College
Get Digital - East Sussex County Council
Bexhill 6th Form College
Understory
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.