Coastal Narratives
Exploring community stories impacted by coastal erosion through research and engagement.
About the project
The flood risk map published by Climate Central predicts that extensive areas of The Broads and The Fens will be below annual flood level by 2050.
When it’s gone, it’s gone is a socially engaged research project by Norfolk based researchers-artists-educators Matthew Benington, Dr Roter Su and Katy Hammond that focuses on the lived experience of coastal communities most immediately impacted by severe coastal erosion. Bringing together artistic practices in Fine Art, Film Making and Photography, time is spent in the field documenting the rapidly changing landscape of the Norfolk Coast, whilst also running workshops with communities in these areas to create artworks that explore their lived experience.
‘When it’s gone, it’s gone’ is ongoing, part of the Living in Changing Landscapes (LICL) project at Norwich University of the Arts.
Our Mission
& Vision
Our work is informed by the belief that the voices of coastal communities that are being impacted by severe coastal erosion urgently need to be listened to, amplified and presented to audiences nationally to increase awareness and influence future Government policy around sea defence.
We aim to cultivate knowledge exchange over an extended period of time, working closely with communities living in areas most immediately impacted by coastal erosion. Co-creation is at the heart of what we do, endeavouring to give coastal communities ownership over their story and the audience a unique and intimate insight into the lived experience of those most immediately impacted by the rising sea levels.
Our community workshops are underpinned by the 5 steps to wellbeing (as recommended by NHS and Mind to improve mental health):
Connect
Get active
Learn
Give
Take notice
Community Engagement
Exploring narratives of communities affected by coastal erosion through research and environmental focus.
Research Initiatives
Conducting in-depth studies on the impacts of coastal erosion on vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Raising Awareness
Exhibiting co-created outcomes to raise awareness about coastal erosion and its effects on local communities
Collaborating with local communities to document their experiences and co-create outcomes
Community Collaboration
Get in Touch
If you are part of a Norfolk coastal community that is suffering from coastal erosion and want to get involved, get in touch using the form below.