BBC Question Time host David Dimbleby marked the start of building work on a new £8.5 million cultural project.
He got behind the wheel of a JCB to perform the ground-breaking ceremony yesterday at the Cultural Centre in Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.
The scheme involves relocating paintings and sculptures from the Towner Art Gallery in High Street, Old Town, to the purpose-built contemporary building.
Permanent and temporary art displays, an exhibition hall, business conferences and space for community use will all be housed at the new site.
Borough council officials hope the centre will become a 21st Century cultural hub that will be the envy of the South-East arts scene.
Planning approval for the centre was granted in December and the South East England Development Agency and Arts Council England have pledged cash.
The borough council has provided the site as well as £800,000 from the sale of the Towner's old home in Old Town.
The New Towner Trust has been set up to raise the £1.6 million needed to complete the project.
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