Blog

We're really excited to announce that we've partnered up with Eastbourne Borough Council with plans to open up Black Robin Farm, a world-class culture and education centre in the unique landscape of the South Downs National Park. Communities and visitors will come together at this new and unique venue among outstanding nature and the cultural heritage of the downlands. The building design, by architects Feilden Fowles, has just been submitted for planning approval for spring 2024, following Eastbourne Borough Council's successful £19.8 million bid to the government's Levelling Up Fund. 

The new venue will connect the Sussex Heritage Coast's iconic landmarks of Beachy Head, Birling Gap, Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven. With new walking, cycling and sustainable transport routes between the sites, it aims to become an important destination for the 1 million national and international visitors to the region each year.

The rolling chalk downlands will be present through public artworks in the landscape, exhibitions, creative activities and courses, artist and maker events and a high quality, locally sourced and sustainable food and drink offer.

In partnership with East Sussex College Group, Towner will also deliver qualifications and skills training for young adults to support career development in the creative, leisure and tourism sectors. It will also provide artists opportunities through commissions, residencies, showcasing and workspace. With the Coastal Schools Partnership and community partners, it will also deliver creative activities encompassing natural materials, nature, ecology and food production for children and young people to grow confidence, build skills and improve life outcomes.

Joe Hill, CEO and Director, Towner Eastbourne, said:

"We are delighted to be leading on this project with Eastbourne Borough Council - it will allow us to deliver an ambitious artistic and educational programme situated in - and around - the nineteenth century dairy farm set in the stunning and unique landscape of the South Downs National Park. 

Our ambition is to ensure genuinely inclusive access to art and culture through artist commissions and other professional development opportunities, skills development initiatives and creative engagement programmes for children and adults; especially those from Eastbourne's most disadvantaged communities. Our vision is to change lives through high quality creative and cultural experiences that raise aspirations, change career directions and improve life outcomes."