A free exhibition at Nautilus House in Southwick from May 28 to 31 will be followed by a larger display at Marlipins Museum in Shoreham from August to October.
Figment Arts co-founder David Parker said the focus was on the people who have lived and worked in the area, thanks to funding from Historic England's Everyday Heritage grant programme.
He explained: “It is about working class history, so we were interested in people's personal stories and histories. This is our first exhibition but the project has been going for about a year and it's been really good. We have put down roots in Fishersgate and we have been working with a group there.”
The Thursday Creative Club at Eastbrook Manor Community Centre has enabled Figment Arts to test and develop a creative programme, working with around 380 people of all ages.
The Community Interest Company also asked young people from Esteem in Shoreham to respond creatively to the port as it exists today, while uncovering its past through archive footage.
David explained: “We had six sessions with Esteem, exploring the port with cameras and sound recording equipment, and we have used archive footage on loan from Screen Archive South East.”
The result was an immersive exhibition that saw Shoreham Port reimagined with the help of sound artist Simon James and photographer Luke Spencer.
The display at Shoreham Port's headquarters was also an opportunity to promote the new crowdfunding campaign to raise £6,000 for a permanent base at the harbour.
Port Studio will be an inclusive creative hub for workshops and community events, supporting artists to take leadership roles.
It will build on the work Figment Arts Studio has been doing since it was launched in 2020. From Zoom meetings with five artists in lockdown, the studio has grown to more than 700 participants and the model has been tested in pop-up spaces, empty shops, museums and community centres over the past few years.
The next step will be to open Port Studio, a long-term home for creativity, connection and belonging, with the new name reflecting the location. Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/figment-arts-port-studio for more information and to support the crowdfunder.
Port Studio will be a space where people can meet, make, learn, share stories and build relationships. It will support inclusive arts, heritage, wellbeing, youth and community activity, with learning-disabled, autistic and neurodivergent artists at the heart of the programme.
5. Port Stories
The immersive exhibition saw Shoreham Port reimagined with the help of sound artist Simon James and photographer Luke Spencer Photo: Elaine Hammond
6. Port Stories
Figment Arts has been exploring stories and memories of Shoreham Harbour from the people who have lived and worked in the area Photo: Elaine Hammond
7. Port Stories
Stories of Shoreham Port are brought to life through photography, video and sound Photo: Elaine Hammond