Lemons, Laws & Secret Doors

Giddy UP

29 Apr

A Hastings Queer History Collective Exhibition

When: 25 April – 30 August 2026
Where:Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, Bohemia Road, TN34 1ET
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 4.30pm. Free entry

Step into the queer histories of Hastings.

Created by the Hastings Queer History Collective, this exhibition brings together personal objects, fashion, film, sound and multimedia works, alongside a major new commission by artist Emma Frankland.

Stories from the queer past of Hastings. Stories of joy, defiance, community and survival. Of people who loved, made art, danced, organised and refused to disappear. Of LGBTQIA+ lives lived in Hastings, even when they were not always recognised.

The Collective are not separate from these histories. They are part of them, and their creative responses shape the exhibition.

These histories are part of this town. Now everyone is invited to discover them.

Upcoming Events

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of events, including panels, performances, a picnic and a party, will be announced soon

Follow the Hastings Queer History Collective on Instagram to be the first to hear about upcoming events and updates.

About this Exhibition

This exhibition was researched and curated by the Hastings Queer History Collective in collaboration with local LGBTQIA+ communities.

Produced by Home Live Art in partnership with Hastings Museum & Art Gallery.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Home Live Art and Hastings Museum & Art Gallery.

Access
The building has flat access and an accessible toilet.
A gender neutral toilet is available.
The Museum website has the full building access information.
More detailed access information for the exhibition content will be made available.
SMOKE is funded by Arts Council England.
SMOKE image by Tyler Kelly.
Writer & Performer Alexis Gregory
Director Campbell X
Script Consultant Rikki Beadle-Blair