A Creative Journey in Brighton: The Art of Embracing Change

Artists, makers, designers and creatives sought for unique Brighton Museum & Art Gallery Project

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Brighton, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery stands as a beacon of history and culture. The Museum is renowned for its designated collections in World Arts & Anthropology and Decorative Arts, as well as its impressive holdings of fine art, ceramics, and furniture.

However, even the most revered institutions sometimes need a touch of care. A 2019 Condition Survey revealed some urgent TLC. This necessary work involved erecting a crash deck and enclosing each side of the gallery with a large structural hoarding.

But where some might see disruption, Brighton & Hove Museums saw an opportunity. They called upon artists, makers, designers, and creatives to transform the temporary spaces into vibrant, engaging environments. Specifically, they sought to create a large-scale mural for the hoarding at the south end of the gallery, part of the temporary visitor route. The theme for this artistic endeavour was “Always Surprising, Unmistakably Brighton & Hove.”

Call to creatives: https://brightonmuseums.org.uk/artistproject/

Embracing the Challenge

As an illustrator, the call for submissions was exciting. (Fitting the deadline in to my busy schedule was another issue).? The theme resonated deeply, inspiring me to create a colourful piece that encapsulated the essence of Brighton & Hove. As a typographer, my approach was to use power words directly, crafting a typographical solution interwoven with iconic landmarks. The result is a vivid representation of the city's spirit, capturing its unique blend of history, creativity, and diversity.

But as with any artistic competition, there's always the uncertainty of how the work will be received. What exactly is the committee looking for? How can one piece stand out among many talented submissions? These questions are familiar to any creative entering a visual competition.

Navigating a Visual Competition

Approaching a competition like this requires a blend of creativity, research, and strategic thinking. Here are a few tips I found helpful in navigating this artistic journey:

1. Understand the Theme: Fully immerse yourself in the theme. For “Always Surprising, Unmistakably Brighton & Hove,” I spent time exploring the city, absorbing its sights, sounds, and atmosphere. This helped ensure my work was not only visually striking but also thematically relevant.
2. Research the Audience: Consider who will be viewing your work. In this case, the mural would be seen by visitors to the museum. Creating something that would engage and delight a diverse audience was crucial.
3. Highlight Uniqueness: What makes your perspective unique? For my submission, it was the use of typographical elements combined with visual anchors of Brighton landmarks. This approach aimed to surprise and engage viewers, staying true to the theme.
4. Tell a Story: Art that tells a story can leave a lasting impression. My mural was designed to take viewers on a visual journey through Brighton & Hove, evoking curiosity and a sense of place.
5. Be Authentic: Authenticity shines through in art. Staying true to my style and vision was essential, even while aligning with the competition's guidelines.
6. Seek Feedback: Before finalising my submission, I sought feedback from fellow artists and friends. Their insights helped refine my work and ensure it resonated with a broader audience.

Reflecting on the Experience

Submitting my work to Brighton & Hove Museums was both exhilarating and a little nerve-wracking. While it's challenging to predict the outcome, the process itself was immensely rewarding. It pushed me to explore new ideas and challanged me to create something that could inspire and engage others. I wanted to produce something colourful as we all need a bit of cheering up...

Participating in visual competitions is more than just striving for recognition; it's about growth, exploration, and contributing to the cultural tapestry of a community. No matter the outcome, the experience enriches your creative journey and can connect you with a broader network of artists and art lovers.

Conclusion

The restoration of the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery's roof might have temporarily closed the 20th Century Gallery, but it opened doors to new creative possibilities. For artists like myself, it was a chance to leave a mark on a beloved cultural institution, to surprise and captivate visitors, and to celebrate the unmistakable charm of Brighton & Hove. In the end, it's not just about winning a competition; it's about embracing the journey, expressing your vision, and contributing to a legacy of creativity and innovation.

I am looking forward to the chosen creative and their masterpiece.

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