Plymouth people are being invited to share photos of their maritime tattoos – and the personal stories behind them – as part of a new commission celebrating the city’s deep connection to the sea.

Let’s SEA Your Tatts is a playful and powerful new project exploring how body art can reflect our relationship with the ocean.

The project is led by Plymouth-based artists LOW PROFILE and Laura Hopes, who are calling on residents to get involved by:

  • Submitting digital photos of maritime-themed tattoos, along with the stories that inspired them.
  • Joining creative workshops to design new temporary tattoos based on personal connections to Plymouth Sound.
  • Helping shape a new digital artwork combining tattoo stories, photos and animation.

It’s been commissioned as part of Sea for Yourself, a four-year programme led by Plymouth Culture that uses art, storytelling and digital technology to connect communities with the UK’s first National Marine Park.

A collection of original designs by artists from Devon and Cornwall will also be turned into a limited-edition set of temporary tattoos that the public can wear, collect and share.

The project will culminate in a public celebration event at GROW Studios in February 2026, sharing the new digital artwork.

Artists LOW PROFILE and Laura Hopes said: “Tattoos have long connected people with the sea. Whether it’s a symbol of love, memory or identity, maritime tattoos carry powerful meaning. We’re excited to uncover those stories with Plymouth residents and create something that reflects the city’s enduring relationship with the ocean.”

Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture, said: “Sea for Yourself is all about using creativity to explore the significance of the sea in our everyday lives. This commission invites people to share something deeply personal and, in doing so, helps us reflect on the shared identity and culture of Britain’s Ocean City.”

Residents can get involved by visiting the Let’s SEA Your Tatts stand at upcoming community events:

  • SeaFest – Saturday 13 September
  • Union Street Party – Sunday 21 September

Digital submissions of tattoo images and stories will also be accepted online via https://plymouthsoundnationalmarinepark.com/lets-sea-your-tatts/ and may be shared on the project’s social media channels.

Sea for Yourself is being led by Plymouth Culture in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. The programme development and delivery is supported by key partners including The Box, Real Ideas, Arts University Plymouth, University of Plymouth and Theatre Royal Plymouth. Sea for Yourself is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England Place Partnership Fund.