The new project focuses on Margate’s coastal path remaining sea shelters. The evolving role of the English seaside in the expression and repression of the body, gender and sexuality, with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ subjects. Focusing on the history of seaside shelters; their functions, shifting meaning, architecture, contributions to the landscape, vandalism, erosion, natural decomposition and destruction. This is a natural progression from my ongoing research into urban living and architecture, following on from a successful art residency in Margate in 2021.

The new work will challenge my current practice in context, location, medium and scale with a focus on the Margate Seaside shelters history from a perspective of an outsider. The project, based in one of the most deprived wards in the country is aimed at a wide range diverse audience, reached through talks, workshops and action research. 

During my artist residency at CRATE I would like to create a large scale collage based on my research, drawings, photographs, recordings and findings. 

I would like to invite members of Margate’s diverse communities to contribute to this collage via their stories based on Coastal Park Seaside Shelters. I will provide the space and materials for people to join me, to create and to share via a sound recording, photograph, drawing, writing, collage, sculpture or by bringing an object associated with the shelters. The final collage will be documented and available to view on my website. All the participants will be credited accordingly. 

If you would like to participate please e-mail me: ankadab@yahoo.co.uk or come and visit me at CRATE Studio and Project Space, 1 Bilton Square Margate CT9 1EE Monday 22nd January -Sunday 28th January 10am -6pm.