Create the future

Bexhill High School and St Richard's Catholic College students were among those taking part in the unique creative careers festival initiated and funded by Creative Partnerships, Hastings and East Sussex.

All secondary schools in Bexhill, Hastings and Rother were invited, and 180 Year 9 students from nine schools attended.

They took part in a range of workshops and discussions with creative individuals, organisations and businesses from across the region.

These included the internationally renowned singer-songwriter Blair whose studio is based in Hastings. Blair's most recent penned songs and productions include Lily Allen's Shame For You on her hugely successful debut album and Will Young's Brit Award winning single, Your Game.

Blair was joined by fashion producer Kevin Freeman; artist and sculptor Steve Geliot; graphic designer Felix Lozano from Hastings-based design co-op WAVE; Angus Giorgi from Hastings Free TV; David Evans and Chris Smith from Phoenix Arts Centre, artist Sharon Howard; and, the De La Warr Pavilion. Representatives from Connexions, Youth Arts Festival Access all Areas, Screen South, Young Enterprise and the youth media funding body Media Box were also on hand to provide students with more information and advice.

Jo Bloom of Creative Partnerships said later: "Students across all schools found the festival inspiring. It made them think more passionately about learning. Many were struck how varied and exciting employment in the creative industries could be."

"I want to stay on at sixth form college" said one student from William Parker. Another pupil from Helenswood said: "I think I need to leave Hastings to appreciate how good everything in the local area actually is, and then probably come back!."

A student from Bexhill High added: "I have learnt about the opportunities available and I now have a rough idea of how to get to them and what I can do with my life."

Mark Robertson, festival organiser from Creative Partnerships, Hastings and East Sussex said: "Create the Future was born from a unique partnership between Hastings Borough Council, Creative Partnerships Hastings and East Sussex, University Centre Hastings, Helenswood Performing Arts College, Aim Higher Sussex, and the Hastings and Rother 14-19 Partnership Board."