Partnerships & Responsibility

1. Working in Partnership

Hidden Beach CIC works collaboratively with venues, organisations, creative practitioners and community groups across Hastings.
Partnerships strengthen our reach, deepen our community impact, and ensure HB2026 is delivered with shared purpose and collective benefit.

We partner with organisations who share our commitment to:

  • creativity
  • inclusion
  • community engagement
  • cultural representation
  • safe and responsible practice

Our partnerships help activate diverse spaces — from parks and seafronts to venues, studios, halls and community settings — ensuring HB2026 is a cultural experience for the whole town.

2. Venues & Cultural Collaborators

HB2026 brings together a vibrant network of cultural partners including:

  • music venues
  • community centres
  • arts collectives
  • wellness practitioners
  • education partners
  • international collaborators
  • food & cultural organisations
  • sound system practitioners
  • local creatives & facilitators

These partnerships:

  • provide platforms for artists
  • expand access across the town
  • create varied, exciting programming
  • strengthen Hastings’ cultural identity
  • foster collaboration across sectors

We continue to build new relationships that support creative growth and community impact.

3. Environmental Responsibility

Hidden Beach CIC is committed to delivering environmentally conscious cultural programming.

Our approach includes:

⭐ Sustainable event practices

reducing waste, minimising single-use materials, and encouraging recycling.

⭐ Conscious travel

working with partners, artists and audiences to reduce unnecessary travel and promote local participation.

⭐ Venue collaboration

supporting venues in their own sustainability goals and shared environmental values.

⭐ Ethical sourcing

prioritising local suppliers, low-impact materials and responsible operations.

⭐ Continuous improvement

reviewing practices annually to strengthen our environmental footprint.

HB2026 aims to celebrate culture while respecting the natural environment that makes Hastings unique.

4. Governance & Good Practice

As a Community Interest Company, Hidden Beach operates with transparency, accountability and a commitment to public benefit.

Our governance principles include:

  • ethical leadership
  • responsible financial management
  • transparent decision-making
  • alignment with CIC regulations
  • community-led purpose

Annual accounts and CIC reports are publicly available through Companies House.

We follow recognised standards for planning, delivery and evaluation across all programme areas.

5. Safeguarding & Duty of Care

We are committed to creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments for all participants, audiences, staff and artists.

Our safeguarding responsibilities include:

  • maintaining a safeguarding policy and code of conduct
  • following clear reporting and escalation procedures
  • working with appropriately experienced and vetted practitioners
  • ensuring safe recruitment and appropriate supervision
  • embedding wellbeing and safety into event planning
  • collaborating with venues on shared responsibilities

Full safeguarding and risk management policies are available to funders and partners on request.

6. Deliverability & Organisational Capacity

HB2026 is delivered by a team with extensive experience across:

  • cultural programming
  • music and arts
  • community engagement
  • event delivery
  • education and learning
  • organisational development

Our planning approach includes:

  • clear delivery timelines
  • risk assessment and mitigation processes
  • collaborative venue planning
  • accessible event design
  • strong partner relationships

We are committed to delivering a month-long programme that is safe, impactful and professionally managed.