Assembly was created in Brighton between 2012 and 2014, involving more than 50 participants, and commissioned by Brighton Photo Fringe. As part of the project, I initiated a partnership with Brighton Housing Trust. During the first year, I focused on building relationships with staff and individuals connected to two of their services: Phase One, a hostel, and the First Base Day Centre.
I volunteered in the kitchens—helping to prepare and serve breakfast and lunch—and spent time in the centre getting to know the organization’s staff and the people they support. This period of relationship-building was vital. It allowed me to listen, learn, and consult those involved about the direction and purpose of the work I aimed to create.
I then invited participants to use cameras and digital sound recorders to document their experiences. We met regularly to review their photographs and audio recordings, and to have conversations—many of which I also recorded. Participants were also offered the opportunity to learn how to use digital medium-format camera equipment through repeated sessions, to create what I call Assisted Self-Portraits.
Alongside this, I collaborated with The Cascade Chorus—a choir made up of people in recovery—to sing, record, and create a performance for the exhibition.
When Assembly was first exhibited at Phoenix Gallery in Brighton, more than seventy photographs were displayed. These included participant-created images, documentation of our collaborative process, and Assisted Self-Portraits. A 45-minute soundscape composed from our audio recordings played throughout the space. A piano donated by Phase One and tables and chairs lent by First Base transformed the gallery into a welcoming community hub.
Visitors were invited to engage in discussion events, play the piano, or spend time with resources and information on homelessness and support services in the UK.
