Generative AI revives historic images in New Brighton with Remarkable community engagement
A creative project in New Brighton uses generative AI to restore and animate historic photographs, sparking strong public engagement and renewed interest in local heritage.
Generative AI is increasingly being used to reinterpret cultural heritage and re-engage communities with their local history. In New Brighton, a creative initiative has digitally restored, colourised, and reanimated archival photographs dating from the Victorian era to the late twentieth century.
The project demonstrates how AI can transform static historical images into moving sequences, making the past more accessible to digital audiences. By combining archival research with creative experimentation, the initiative bridges heritage and contemporary technology.
Public response was immediate and substantial. Within hours of publication, the videos generated tens of thousands of views, hundreds of shares, and extensive social media commentary, reflecting strong community interest.
Beyond numerical engagement, the project prompted residents and former visitors to share personal memories of the pier, fairground, cinemas, and promenade. Organisers described the depth of emotional response as evidence that local identity and civic pride remain deeply rooted.
The initiative forms part of a broader creative revival in New Brighton. Upcoming public art projects, including a large-scale mural celebrating community volunteers, aim to build on this momentum and connect heritage with future regeneration efforts.
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