The Arts movement in Hastings continues to gain momentum: from the formation of the Hastings Prescott Area Arts Council and Black Dirt Theater, to the Hastings Arts Center and the ArtSpace Hastings River Lofts, a 37-unit live/work complex for artists and their families located in downtown Hastings near the Mississippi River. The City of Hastings recognizes the vitality and economic value of the arts community. A Public Arts Grant Task Force was established to solicit requests and award public art grants in Hastings.

The City's Levee Park summer programming includes movies, music and performances in the park. 

 In 2021, a new public mural project was unveiled in the City's historic downtown district.  In addition, the city offers Makers Market, a series of pop-up events for artists and makers to sell their products in the alley behind the downtown storefronts on 2^nd street in Hastings.