Retirement housing project shows 'how art can bridge generations'

The Retirement Housing team at Eastbourne Borough and Lewes District Councils partnered with Chailey High School in South Chailey, near Lewes, to commission new art and photography after all previous artwork had to be removed from communal spaces because of fire compliancy rules following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

​The project has seen the school's GCSE students create pieces based on a theme of 'Sussex Icons' including landscapes, buildings, and seaside scenes. A key part of the initiative involved tenant artists from the retirement homes working with the students to inspire their artwork, fostering a strong intergenerational connection.

The students' work will form part of their final exam and results.

​Councillor Mark Slater, Cabinet Member for Tenants and Those in Housing Need at Lewes District Council, said: "This initiative is a wonderful example of how art can bridge generations. Not only has it allowed our tenants to reconnect with younger people and inspire creativity, but it has also brought beautiful, meaningful artwork back into their daily lives. The communal areas will be much brighter and more welcoming because of it."

John Arnold, Peacehaven retirement housing tenant said "It's been a tremendous experience, I thoroughly enjoyed my visits to the school and inspiring the artwork. I really look forward to the exhibition in January."

​People are invited to see the collection and cast their vote for their favourite piece of art at a special exhibition in the BN9 Studio, Marine Workshops, Newhaven (BN9 0ER), on Tuesday, January 6, from 9am to 5pm, and Wednesday, January 7, from 9am to 7pm. Prizes will be awarded to the winning artists.

​Councillor Peter Diplock, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at Eastbourne Borough Council, added: "Come and visit the exhibition, if you can, to see the incredible talent on display. This partnership has achieved something truly special, transforming a safety requirement into an opportunity for community connection and artistic expression."

The artwork will be installed in retirement housing following the exhibition.

Paul Holt, Headteacher of Chailey High School, said: "I'm absolutely delighted our students are involved in such an important project with our local councils to bring art into Retirement Housing."

 

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