Three Portsmouth artists selected for Resonate programme as part of Memory Library
Three local artists have been selected to take part in Resonate 2026–27, an artist development programme run by creative technologist Thomas Buckley. The resulting work will form part of Memory Library, a new free pop-up museum opening at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard from 13–21 November, exploring how we remember, how memories become heritage, and how technology can help us connect differently with the past and with one another.
Following an open call, Hannah Matthews, María de la O Garrido and Owain Davies have been selected for the latest Resonate programme. Over the course of a year, the artists will be based at Play Office in Portsmouth, where they will have time, space and support to experiment with emerging technologies, develop new skills and create new artwork inspired by memory, heritage and the communities around them.
The programme is particularly focused on supporting artists who are underrepresented in the technology and creative technology sectors, including women, LGBTQIA+ artists and younger creatives. Resonate aims to make technology more accessible to artists who may not traditionally have had the opportunity, resources or confidence to explore it, while allowing them to approach technology through their own creative practices.
Thomas Buckley curator of Resonate and Memory Library, said:
“Resonate is about creating a space for artists to experiment with technology without feeling that they have to become technologists. We want to see what happens when artists bring their own experiences, communities and ways of making into the conversation.
“This year's artists have completely different practices, but all three are interested in people, memory and connection. I'm really excited to see how their ideas develop, and what happens when traditional creative practices meet emerging technologies.”
From taxidermy to XR: three artists, three different approaches
Born and raised in Portsmouth, Hannah Matthews is a sculptor whose practice centres on taxidermy and natural history preservation. Her work explores myth, legend, storytelling, time and memorialisation, often creating unexpected encounters between preserved animals and human objects. Her work for Memory Library will centre around the female transfer of information across the ages, through legend, gossip and shared memory.
Hannah comments: “Through Resonate, I hope to broaden my practice using creative technologies such as animatronics, investigating how these tools could expand the possibilities of taxidermy and create new sculptural experiences.”
María de la O Garrido, who recently relocated to Portsmouth from London, is a multidisciplinary artist working across photography, collage, sculpture, video and performance. Her practice explores migration, identity, sustainability and belonging, often using archives and personal experiences to create new meanings.
Talking about her Resonate project, Maria explains: “I’m exploring the ideas of movement and migration through the concept of walking roots. Inspired by root vegetables, which I use symbolically, I’m creating analogue sculptures and images. I’m also experimenting with AR to animate these works and place them in physical locations around the world. This is so exciting, basically I am doing things I thought were impossible!”
Portsmouth-based Owain Davies is an artist, animator, graphic designer and sculptor working across 2D, 3D, stop motion and immersive media. He is interested in people, the environments they inhabit and the moments of humour, joy and connection that can be found in everyday life.
For Resonate Owain will develop an animated short exploring the importance of inclusive spaces within sport, and the positive personal impact these spaces can have on the participants who are connected to them, with a particular focus on IGR rugby.
Owain comments: “For the people and communities at the heart of the work whether rugby players, LGBTQ+ individuals or those involved in inclusive rugby, I hope this project highlights the joy and value these spaces can hold. I want people to see themselves and their experiences reflected in the work, while amplifying the depth of joy, positivity and belonging found within these spaces to a wider audience."
A different kind of library
Taking place from 13 - 21 November 2026, Memory Library is a free pop-up museum at Boathouse 5 in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
Bringing together artists, communities, heritage and lived experience, the space will become part gallery, part workshop, part cinema, part meeting place and part experimental archive. Visitors will be able to encounter artworks including work from Resonate artists, contribute their own memories, take part in workshops, explore new technologies and meet others.
Find out more here – https://memory-library.co.uk/event.html?slug=ev-exhibition