Who we are

We are Devonshire Collective (DC), a collectively-led cultural and community organisation rooted in Eastbourne’s Devonshire ward.

We support grassroots arts and culture, create opportunity for communities and deliver a dynamic, high-quality creative and artistic programme where everyone is welcome.

We operate from two spaces in Seaside:

‍VOLT, our gallery space where we commission and support emerging and underrepresented artists to connect people and place through exhibitions and public programmes.

‍DC Learn Studio, which hosts our learning and participation programme for families, young people and communities.

Our galleries and programmes are free and open to all.

This is what we do:

· Support artists to create ambitious, high-quality exhibitions that respond to our site and context.

· Offer a variety of artist development programmes and act as a support system for artists working on the South coast.

· Collaborate with community partners and residents.

· Widen access and participation for everyone in our community.

We work at the meeting point of culture and community. We seek to collectively develop new ways of making art central to our neighbourhood’s civic life and demonstrate the value of artists in our society.

Everything we do is rooted in our principles by which we operate:

·    We are open and accessible - everyone can find their place and experience the transformational possibilities of creativity.

·    We strive to be generous at all times – to give our time and resources to visitors, colleagues and the community.

·    We are inclusive with inspiring spaces that spark the imagination and celebrate the cultures of our neighbourhood.

·    We seek to be relevant by co-creating work with local people and reflecting back their concerns.

· We are socially responsible, aware of the needs of our community and those we work with, using our voice to support anti-racism, the environment, and social justice.

Staff team

‍Edward Ball
Director (full-time)
‍
Mollie Barnes
Programme Manager (part-time)
‍
Gina Leonard
Creative Learning Manager (part-time)
‍
Nadine Crawford-Piper
Finance Manager (part-time)

Polly Wright
Curator (part-time)

Flo Wright
Gallery Assistant

Marie Sahy
Gallery Assistant

Board of Directors

Lucy Day (Chair)
Liz Trethewey
Noelle Collins
Chris Connelley
Marie Burgess
Ruth Melville
Steve Dwyer (Treasurer)
Nicholas Roberts

Community Advisory Panel

Margaret Bannister
Devonshire West Ward Councillor
‍
Judith Alder
Artist
‍
Chris Dixon
Cultural Industries Manager

Gaynor Sádlo
Artist and Professor of Occupational Therapy
‍
Mana Hashtroudi
The Sanctuary Café
‍
Emma Millar
Community Development Officer, 3VA
‍
Debbie Harris
Head of Art, Bourne Primary School Vision

Maria Tayao
Services and Projects Coordinator, Diversity Resource International