Residents as Artists: Dreamy Place Review

Words by our Future Creative Leader, Elsa Monteith

The first thing that struck me as I approached Fabrica for the inaugural launch of Dreamy Place was a group of three bystanders smoking by a car, quietly observing the large window framed by the south-facing wall of the building. They were looking at what can only be described as high art laced in irony, Pattern Up’s latest masterpiece capturing what Brighton has to offer in a sardonic take on a holiday advert featuring some of the city’s less than shiny locations. What I noticed was the exchange of thought between the trio, the understated nod of approval, and the earnest appreciation for a city lauded for its expansive creative landscape, simultaneously shrouded in difference, depending on your bus route.

I went to the back of the venue first, as I often do, taking in the hum and hustle of the Lightworks space before I made my way around the stalls framing the stage. Starting with the infamous Off Licence Magazine, mental health project eott, and clothes brand ITM, I was then drawn to the promise of tooth gems, intricate live tattoos, TÜT vintage clothes, and more, a rich collection of dynamic organisations local to our coast. Self-described as a trade-show of local talent, the curation felt considered and engaging, soundtracked by DJ, producer, and musician JP Rose, stationed at the pulpit of Fabrica.

The audience for the first performance was warm and in good spirits, a gentle buzz of anticipation building for Amartey Golding’s highly commended show ‘Whose Anthem is it Anyway?’. It’s always been a challenge to describe this show to people – when asked by a friend recently, I said something along the lines of; “a kind of in-person digital survey, but funny. And there’s a band”, which is about as close as I can get in as many words. It’s a remarkably unique performance, capturing the ever-so-specific kind of British pride that I can celebrate wholeheartedly, instead of wincing in second-hand embarrassment.

And it really was a celebration. From the sh*t town top trumps heralding Basildon’s fabled “Bas Vegas” nightclubs, to Swindon’s infamous seven circle “magic” roundabout, the audience became part of the story, with the Menti app capturing every whim and wish that this matinee audience wanted in their anthem. What resulted was a sea shanty of magnificent proportions, replete with lyrics championing Stormzy, ducks, and the quintessentially British insult; “your mum”. Charlie George and friends orchestrated something you quite literally can’t get anywhere else – a BSL interpreted, collaborative British anthem, created by the people, for the people.

As the afternoon continued, Lighthouse Young Creatives alumni Erin James, Hazel Davis, and Lara Antoine shared a curated programme of short films capturing the breadth and depth of what it means to struggle; be it with mental health challenges or the furtive rekindling of love, the films resonated with something more than an audience; it struck a chord with a community. Following the showing was a powerful demonstration from Nam Yang, a local not-for-profit martial arts organisation working to help their students become physically and mentally healthier, happier, and more confident, accompanied by hand brewed tea.

Lightworks continued with eott at the helm, a Brighton-based mental health project normalising the conversation around our minds through fashion, visual arts, and words. With their signature “u k, g?” tagged on clothes and prints, eott made their mark with ease and peace, bringing with them a crowd of people from different generations both standing and seated in an informal circle. One thing that felt particularly different about Lightworks was who was speaking. The microphone moved with the crowd, a mix of questioning and confession of feeling, the kind of honesty often only felt between friends.

I left Fabrica full of thought; could we reframe the concept of artists “in residence” into residents as artists? Could the promise of public art be redefined as something we conjure as a local community, warmly embracing all the excitement and unknowns that can come with that? Dreamy Place was for me the creation of a space far from something imaginary, but instead a gesture towards a very real future of art for the people in, of, and beyond Brighton.

Read the rest of our Future Creative Leaders (FCL)'s personal reflections on an aspect of the programme in the digital booklet below.

On 19 - 20 October 2023, Lighthouse launched the Brighton edition of Dreamy Place with an immersive all-day event at Fabrica. Dreamy Place is a festival of art, technology & digital culture and is curated by Videoclub. The festival promises opportunities to experience dazzling light sculptures, spectacular outdoor projections, memorable performances, and extraordinary exhibitions.

Listen to Residents as Artists: Dreamy Place Review by Elsa.