In a groundbreaking initiative, the arts collective Collusion is spearheading an augmented reality (AR) trail in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, celebrating the town’s LGBTQ+ history. Funded by the Arts Council and Historic England, the project aims to intertwine art, technology, and heritage by showcasing untold stories of queer life in the historic town.
Assistant producer Rosa Torr highlighted the importance of engaging young creatives aged 16 to 30 in the initiative. “We’re inviting animators, poets, game designers, and street artists to contribute,” she shared. The project will culminate in an AR experience for King’s Lynn Pride in August, offering a blend of historical archives and contemporary artistic expressions. “The internet can be divisive, but initiatives like this demonstrate the power of community-driven creativity,” Torr added, responding to criticisms branding the project as overly “woke.”
The trail, inspired by the success of interactive experiences like Pokémon Go, promises to revitalize King’s Lynn’s public spaces. Using mobile technology, participants will uncover stories of queer individuals who lived, loved, and contributed to the town’s vibrant yet often hidden history. As Torr noted, “Queer people have always been part of King’s Lynn; this project is about honoring those voices.”
Support from figures like academic Diarmuid Hester enriches the project, connecting local efforts to broader narratives about LGBTQ+ contributions to literature and culture. This effort is a vital step toward rectifying the historical omission of queer voices from public records, shining a light on their enduring impact.
As the AR trail readies for its debut during Pride, it stands as a beacon of inclusion and celebration, affirming that LGBTQ+ stories are integral to the fabric of every community.