Ethos Festival in Priory Square
Earlier this month, Priory Square in Hastings town centre played host to a fresh, new event with local young people.
The Ethos Festival, funded by Pulse, Youth Opportunity Fund, Sea Space and Town Centre Management, was held on the 5th September in the new business quarter. A collection of young people, artists, musicians and performers gave a riveting exhibition of their talents and skills in urban arts, music and film.
 "Gizmo performers")
Across the site was a variety of music acts including local DJs and artists, upcoming talent Sykes, young performers from Gizmo and special performances from New York hip hop group – Uppanotch.
 "Grafitti art in Priory Square")
A live art display was held as a team of graffiti artists painted murals along the perimeter walls. Local team the ‘Inspiration Crew’ led by artist Aaron Hosannah painted a powerful message that reflects the continuing developments in Hastings for education and business while French artist extraordinaire – Prophecy GT – created a stunning art piece and Michael Winnart painted a Fiat Punto.
 "Capoeira demonstration")
In line with the art and music, the day saw inspiring displays of Brazilian dance/martial art form Capoeira and stream lined Street Dance techniques with the award winning group This Time Around. The public were able to interact with the day’s activities through active workshops which included Videography and Carnival Clothing and Design.
Individuals from Xtrax Youth Community Centre lent their time and energies in helping prepare the site for the festival and worked throughout the day when it took place.
One of the organisers Valona Taylor said:
“There was an incredible show of will and a really strong work ethic from all the young people who worked so hard in preparing the site and setting it up – be it painting the walls so they were ready, constructing all the canopies that were needed and even just being present on the day – wearing an Ethos Fest t-shirt – and making sure it all went according to plan. A huge amount of respect and thanks to all of them.”
 "Inspire grafitti art")
Alex Frois, another organiser, commented:
“Ethos Festival was designed to give the public a taste for the arts whilst showing others that there is a positive message to be had from these sometimes tabooed cultures. It was an excellent result when people told us they were signing up for the weekly graffiti art classes. A teenager who participated in the videography workshop approached me at the end of the day to tell me he’d decided to take it further at University. It all shows that there is serious interest in these modern arts and that there should be more opportunities for young people to get involved with them.”
Speaking about the wider public response, he said:
“Even those whom were originally sceptical all expressed how impressed they were by the sheer quality of the artwork, the feedback they’d received and the good will of all the young people whom attended.”
Friday, 18th September, 2009
