Mapping out the history and lives of Brighton and Hove

A Brighton artist collective is urging residents to help it create a collaborative map of the city, focusing on '˜hidden histories and radical politics'.
Catherine OSullivan looks at some of the objects on the map so farCatherine OSullivan looks at some of the objects on the map so far
Catherine OSullivan looks at some of the objects on the map so far

Phoenix Brighton on Waterloo Place is hosting ‘Maps and Lives’ until Sunday, December 3, and is holding a series of events to get the public involved in creating a piece of artwork that captures the history and essence of the city.

It started as a blank slate on November 11, but as the weeks go by the space is filling up with photographs, drawings and paper sculptures.

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The aim is to accumulate documents and drawings of people’s histories, journeys and connections that will fill the floor of the gallery.

A representation of pubs of BrightonA representation of pubs of Brighton
A representation of pubs of Brighton

Already, there is a drawing of the i360 by a young girl called Anna, references to Brighton’s links with slavery, and old photographs of protests at The Level.

Catherine O’Sullivan, marketing assistant at Phoenix, said: “Over the course of three weeks we are inviting academics, artists, community groups and Brighton locals to come participate in the gallery space, adding their stories, photos, drawings and memories of living in Brighton. Maps and Lives is a collaboration between us, a group of researchers at the University of Brighton, and the Phoenix Community Centre.”

She explained how Phoenix wanted to create a new kind of art exhibition.

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“We want to be more participatory and democratic, open it up to the community,” Catherine said.

A map of the West Indies hints at Brighton's links with slavery in days gone byA map of the West Indies hints at Brighton's links with slavery in days gone by
A map of the West Indies hints at Brighton's links with slavery in days gone by

There is an activity space at the back of the exhibition run by artist Carol Quinn, where individuals can create items for the map. And there are a number of events which give people an opportunity to add to the exhibition, including creative sessions and a final celebration of the work on Saturday, December 2.

To get involved, visit: {http://www.phoenixbrighton.org|www.phoenixbrighton.org

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