Memories of Portslade past and present are being shared as part of a photography project based at Blank Gallery, North Street.

The ReMap project by Historia, a group of three photographic artists, aims to map out Portslade using digital photography and QR codes, a form of two-dimensional bar code.

A photography workshop was held on 18th February as the first stage of the project. More than 50 images were added to ReMap’s online gallery, some of which were taken by participants on the day, while others were brought in because they had a story behind them.

Lindsey Smith, one of the members of Historia, said: “The ReMap project will act as a platform for community voice. The workshop was about interacting with the community creatively, sharing stories and photos that carry meaning or memories.”

The group aims to bridge the gap between young and old generations, using their various experiences of the same areas of Portslade to examine collective memory and make connections.

Historia member Barbara Taylor said: “The project is a way of exploring experience of place. Looking at similarities between people’s stories of the same area and that tension between past and present can lead you to think – is there something about that place?”

The photographic artists are keen to continue working with the community during the other phases of the project, which will include an eight-week residency at Blank, an exhibition and a series of talks and events.

Historia is planning to apply for Arts Council funding to develop the project, with the intention of taking part in the Brighton Photo Fringe in October.

The workshop was held at the end of Get Active Get Involved (GAGI) week in Portslade, which was dedicated to community events.

Lorette Mackie, Portslade’s Community Development Officer, said: “Times being hard, it’s important for local people to have access to low-cost, local community events and activities. The workshop was a chance for local people to meet each other and create relationships.”

Historia members Lindsey, Barbara and Lynn Weddle met on the Photography MA at University of Brighton.

ReMap's online gallery can be viewed at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/historiaremap