Community Art Project Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Voices and Plymouth Heritage Through Travelling Art Installation

Three members of the Queer District Collective hope to capture the “very essence of being a Plymothian” by collecting and celebrating the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community for an art project that will travel the city.

Two Sides of the Same Coin will share personal stories and experiences to foster a deeper understanding of Plymouth's diverse heritage - and spark conversations about the city’s past and present as a united community. 

The stories will be transformed into a travelling art installation that’s inspired by a pub environment - a neutral and inclusive space.

The artists are inviting members of the LGBTQIA+ community to come forward with their own stories at locations across the city this autumn.

Tim Norman, one of the project’s producers, said: “Two Sides of the Same Coin aims to highlight the profound connections between LGBTQIA+ individuals and the city itself.

“Whether you want to write down a memory you have about being LGBTQ+ in the city, want to record your voice reminiscing about dancing in your favourite club, or simply read the responses of those who came before you!

“It would be beautiful to get as many different voices included as possible to create a vast, intersectional, truthful archive of living memories.

“We want LGBTQIA+ voices to be the basis of future responses, so your responses would curate the conversations held at our future events across the city!”

The project is being supported by Plymouth Culture as part of the recent Public Art Commission Open Call, selected by the Public Art Steering Group. The Commission is part of the wider High Street Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative, funded by Historic England and led by Plymouth Culture.

Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture, said: “Two Sides of the Same Coin showcase stories that represent our social history and the very fabric of our LGBTQ+ community - resonating with a broad range of people in Plymouth.

“It’s an opportunity to explore the very essence of what it means to be a Plymonian and I’d like to say a huge thanks to those who have already taken part.”

If you would like to share your story, the project’s producers are holding a series of engagement opportunities where you can take part or find out more:

• Postcard Workshop at Looe Street - Thursday, 14 September 7-9pm.
• Display at Marjon University Freshers - Friday, 22 September, 12noon-5pm.
• Final installation at the Piazza on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 October.

If you would like to be part of the project you can contact the project’s producers at geddon.qdc@gmail.com

Two Sides of the Same Coin was selected through an open call by the Public Art Steering group that was gathered to champion best practice when it comes to commissioning public art and to build a transparent and robust process for decision-making that aligns with other policies/strategies in a way that public art can enhance the wider city agendas.