Brighton history, re-imagined - or not?
The Resource Centre, Prior House, 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 0GY
QueenSpark's archive is an extraordinary collection of first-person histories, telling the story of Brighton by the people that live(d) here.
The increasing use of AI and Large Language Models means that community archives such as QueenSpark's are at risk of our content being 'scraped', loss of attribution, and misrepresentation of source materials. We also know that many - particularly younger - people use their phones rather than PCs to access the internet nowadays, and that much of their usage is via audio and/or video, not text.
These two factors mean that it is important that local archives, amid an era of huge technological change, explore ways that we a) negotiate the use of AI ethically, and b) broaden our audience to include those who might not read historical archives in 'traditional' format.
Alongside the University of Brighton, we are piloting an app that will enables you to listen to dynamically-generated short stories, drawn from our archive materials, and relating to your immediate location.
You'll take a 20-30 minute walk using the app which - depending on the route you take - will give you a unique perspective on local history; we'd then like you to spend around 20 minutes answering questions. We want you to become further engaged in the debate - Should we 'fictionalise' heritage? Is using audio stories a way to engage people with archives, who might otherwise not be interested? And - should we be using AI at all?...
Timings
- Friday 18 September:
- 1600-1900
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1130-1600
Location & directions
The Resource Centre, Prior House, 6 Tilbury Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 0GY
- Contact on day:
- Zoe Ganderton
- Telephone number:
- +447847350197
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The event is outdoors, and participants will be asked to traverse local streets. Attendees should bring a mobile, and earphones if possible (although we will have earphones to loan) Post-walk feedback, questions and refreshments will be served indoors, up two flights of stairs, but these can also take place downstairs/outside, weather permitting. There will also be a research team from the University of Brighton, asking some people about their experience. Please note that the Resources Centre is halfway-up a steep hill.
Additional information
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
