AR project creates digital monuments in Trafalgar Square

An augmented reality project telling untold stories of Black Britons has gone live at London’s Trafalgar Square.

Visitors to the area can access the Hidden Black Stories project through social media platform Snapchat. 

The immersive history lesson tells the Black British stories behind famous statues in the square. A remote version featuring the story behind a Nelson Madela statue is also available on the app.

The launch follows research conducted by Snapchat, Black Cultural Archieves (BCA) and Research Without Borders that found only a third (32%) of Britons recognise historical Black figures.

BCA Interim Director Lisa Anderson said the opportunity to share heritage with younger audiences is exciting and powerful: “This Trafalgar square lens is a dynamic, virtual sign of recognition.”