The Bright Foundation is an arts education charity founded by Academy Award winning costume designer John Bright, operating from two different venues in and around Hastings, East Sussex. We believe in the power of the arts and creativity to shape happier and healthier children and young people. 

Our vision is for all children and young people to have their imaginations sparked and their wellbeing nurtured through a quality cultural education, regardless of their background.  

Our mission is to use the lifetime’s work of our founder, Academy Award winning costume designer John Bright, to be a catalyst for creative learning and inspire a new generation of imaginative children and young people to reach their full potential.

We offer a free programme of life enhancing creative learning to children and young people, particularly those experiencing disadvantage.  The Barn Theatre is a 50 seat children’s theatre and workshop studio that presents inspirational puppet shows and theatre productions to children, young people and their families.  The adjoining museum showcases John Bright’s personal collection of antique toys, puppets and theatre sets dating from the 18th century to the present day. 

The Benbow Arts Space, located in the heart of St. Leonards-on-Sea, is a creative learning space dedicated to the art of film-making, where young people can discover their passion, develop skills and begin their journey into the film industry.  

Our programme includes school visits, summer schools, performance projects, cross-curricular learning, wellbeing retreats, volunteering, family festivals, skills training, and career support.

The Foundation receives no statutory funding and relies on the generosity of donors to deliver creative learning and vocational training to inspire the creatives of tomorrow.