Looking at Commemorative Art on Thorney Island

Including some of the accomplished people as well as some of the fascinating characters from the area who are missing, we will explore statues as public art: Who we choose to commemorate and why, and in the context of recent activism and argument on this thorny topic, Melissa Jo Smith and Montaz Marché will address the merits and pitfalls of the removal and protection of statues.

Montaz Marché is a writer, documentary producer and PhD researcher at the University of Birmingham where her historical interest is focused on modern black British history. Melissa Jo Smith is the founding Director of Illuminated Arts, producing creative arts and heritage projects to inspire and transform groups and communities.