The future of the Rye Creative Centre (RCC) remains uncertain – it is due to be demolished as part of the housing development planned for the Freda Gardham old school site. Rye News has been featuring the stories of some of the artists at the centre who have been telling us about their work and their concerns for the future. This week, local artist and printmaker Nicola Hill champions on the need for an Art Centre in Rye.
I was initially drawn to the Rye Creative Centre in 2013 – tempted by Nick Archer’s life-drawing classes. It felt so good to get back into drawing. It was reminiscent of my time on my Hastings Foundation (albeit a few decades on). I was hooked!
In 2018 I moved into a very small space at the centre, transferring to a shared studio in 2020. Time spent in the studio is precious. But also became unpredictable…management changes, the pandemic…a cost-of-living crisis. Despite all this, I continue to enjoy my studio part-time.
I’m currently working on a series of linocut sheep, after a brief obsession with birds. My flock is growing and will be ready for Wash House & Parlour, at Strand House, Wish Ward, Rye at Easter. Printmaking is also something I like: its graphic simplicity and process is quite addictive.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve had various seasonal jobs to supplement my income. Working outdoors in the local landscape is quite liberating. And I now have a series of figurative drawings and paintings from working in a turkey shed, a hop garden, and a vineyard.
Being a studio-holder has given me the opportunity to meet others and share our experiences, skills, and ideas. With the centre’s broad brush of artists, designers, and makers, all at varying stages of their careers, we are a strong creative team.
I feel lucky to be a part of Rye’s creative community, with the town’s long history of visiting and resident artists and writers.
There’s something unique about Rye’s community, whether it’s a combination of the size of the town, mix of inhabitants, range of entrepreneurs, its many social hubs and festivals that glue the community together, it certainly has an enviable list of groups to join, whether you are into the arts, sport, wellness, history, bonfires, or drinking. There’s something for everyone!
However, I do have a genuine concern that as a generation of philanthropic farmers retire, the property is sold for housing. Maybe a plus for Rother’s increasing housing quota, which despite a decrease of 1000 residents in Rye from one census to the next, maybe reflects Rye’s popularity for second homers. The last few years have seen the Brewery Yard, Granary, Bethel change use. I’m unsure what the plans are for The Methodist Hall, Rye Literary Club and Boys Club. But I have to ask if the continued loss of community spaces is sustainable and serves the ‘Live Well Locally’ policy?
I’m equally unsure how to redress the balance other than to hope that with a cohesive community think tank, financial / legal advice, and successful fundraising, an art centre in the town of Rye REMAINS a valuable asset!
Available to buy at RFM, Simmons Quay, Fish Market Road and Rye Cook Shop in the High Street.
Image Credits: Nicola Hill .
Well said, Nicola! And your artwork is wonderful.
Thank you Hilary x
A great article Nicola. The Rye Chamber of Commerce recognises the vital role that artists and creatives play in shaping the cultural and economic fabric of our town. The Rye Creative Centre has provided an invaluable space for artists to work, collaborate, and inspire both residents and visitors alike. We sincerely hope that a new home can be secured to ensure that Rye continues to be a hub for creativity.
Beyond the visual arts, we also recognise the pressing need for rehearsal spaces for musicians. With so many talented individuals in our community, dedicated spaces for artistic expression – whether through painting, printmaking, music, or performance – are essential to maintaining Rye’s rich creative heritage. A facility to support the full spectrum of diciplines would be the dream!
As our town grows and evolves, it is crucial that we strike a balance between development and preserving the spaces that allow our creative industries to flourish. The Chamber is committed to supporting discussions that explore viable solutions to retain and enhance Rye’s artistic infrastructure.
Thanks Jane, That’s really good to hear.
Totally endorse all you have written here Nicola. An art centre fit for purpose for practicing artists across the visual and performing arts, for the public and visitors to Rye….is both desirable and needed.
I hope the collective imaginations and capabilities of people who genuinely care about this will come together to create a dedicated space for high quality cultural production as a priority for the future of Rye.
Such a building exits already of course at Bridgepoint if it too were not to be knocked down for housing?
Do both these buildings, which recently had considerable investment for high quality performing spaces in them, really need to be demolished?
I agree wholeheartedly, Bridgepoint would be a great location too!
Yes a great article Nicola which really conveys the wider perspective, and lovely pictures as always!
Agree with Susan’s point about Bridgepoint.
Thanks Lenka!
Well said Nicola, Bridgepoint is scheduled for housing ? didn’t that have a lot of work done to it just a few years ago ?There is a lot I need to catch up on. Love ‘Crow’ monoprint .