Cultural Quarter presents the relationships of observation in the city to its citizens, whilst begging ethical questions about surveillance, the gaze and human behaviour. It exposes some of the gaps between developers' dreams and citizens' perceptions of what cultural space means and how to use it.
The film casts a precise and pertinent eye on a daily urban reality in an unspecified British suburb. Presenting a fine balance between reality and its representation, the film's subtly edited movements shift its perspective back and forth between reportage and a form of social voyeurism. The work questions how ideas about "them and us", social coherence, family and community ethics are constructed.

Mike Stubbs' internationally commissioned art-work encompasses film, video, new media installation, performance and curating. Recent productions include a solo exhibition at BALTIC, Gateshead (UK). Titled City Strapline Industries, the exhibition was developed through a residency hosted by the city marketing agency, and explored the complex social issues surrounding regeneration of a city. The exhibition featured new video works (including Cultural Quarter), photography, a web site, found objects and text. In 2003, Stubbs presented Jump Jet, a large scale outdoor projection and twin screen gallery installation made on location at RAF Wittering as part of a residency at Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery. Speechless, an outdoor projection and streaming media website was commissioned by Hull Time Based Arts in 2003, and included Mother Nature, a short video shown at Cambridge Film Festival and Werklietz Biennale [also featured on the Forma website].