During last year’s Festival The Boat Project collected donations of cherished wooden memories ranging from lollypop sticks and cellos to part of a torpedo boat used at the D-Day landings in 1945. This year, the fearlessly adventurous crew return with this extraordinary seafaring vessel Collective Spirit and with it a living archive of people’s stories and lives.
The project has inspired a host of events across the Festival that explore our island culture and impulse to make connections through stories, voices and memories including the Otolith Group and Invisible Flock co-commissions.
The boat will be moored at Brighton Marina and there are a range of activities taking place across the city in her honour, including the presentation of the Ship’s Log by Thirty Pounds of Bone marking this first leg of the maiden voyage.
There is an excellent view of Collective Spirit from the Boardwalk at Brighton Marina. If you want to see her up close and be on Pontoon 6 where she is berthed then you should attend the boatside gatherings on Thu 24 & Fri 25 between 1pm and 3pm and Sat 26 from 11am - 4pm. In the interests of health and safety public access to the pontoon is not possible at other times.
Arrival
Sat 19 May, 1pm
A flotilla accompanies the boat as she sails into Brighton. Expect welcoming party celebrations!
Informal gathering – boatside
Thu 24 – Sat 26 May, 1pm – 3pm
Meet the artists, donators and crew members; they will all be on hand to answer your questions and introduce you to the magnificent boat.
Departure
Sun 27 May, 2pm - 3pm
Bid the boat adieu as she ups anchor and sets sail once again. Join the Salvation Army Band as they begin playing at Marina Square at 2.30pm. This will be followed by a Blessing of the Boat led by the Bishop of Horsham at 3pm before the boat departs. Then Brighton’s newest band The Rum Coves, featuring Herbie Flowers on Tuba will be playing next to Board Walk Memaid to bid the boat a final farewell just after 3 pm.
Dip Your Toe
Step into an interactive adventure, with a series of unique theatre pieces performed in and around six Victorian-style bathing machines across the city. These fascinating mobile mini-theatres will house astonishing performances every weekend in May. Presented by The Nightingale Theatre with The Marlborough Theatre and Brighton Festival Fringe.
For further details visit theboatproject.com
The Boat Project is part of Artists Taking the Lead, a series of 12 public art commissions across the UK to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. The Boat Project is the winning commission for the south east region and is funded by Arts Council England.
