Oral history has a vital part to play in how we record, archive, and celebrate our diverse communities and our shared history. It’s an important job to capture and record everyday life in all its complexity through the words of people and help to create a living archive of social history.
Think you’re up to the task?
This intensive training day will introduce you to all that you need to know to start your own oral history projects! We will cover the evolution of oral history, explore why it’s so important and look at some of its many applications. We will look at what technology we might need, and cover all the basics skills for capturing, editing and sharing your own recordings. We will also look at what we can do to help create a good conversation, practice how to ask powerful questions and develop strong listening skills.
Plus, we’ll end the day with a chance for you to put those new skills to good use and make a real recording with invited guest participants who will be sharing their memories of Smethwick and its rich social and industrial heritage.
Join this day-long, hands-on workshop and you’ll get the chance to:
- Learn more about the fundamentals of oral histories
- Find out how to conduct your own research
- Have a go at recording memories of Smethwick and it’s histories!
- Ask questions and interact with our team of professionals
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YOUR HOSTS
Geoff Broadway is a UK-based artist, filmmaker, project director, mentor and coach with over 25 years of experience working in the arts, heritage and education sectors. He has lectured in the field of photograph, design and interactive technologies in the UK and New Zealand, and has undertaken several major artist residencies including Durham Cathedral and Medio-Lab Prado, Madrid. He is the founder and the current director of the Living Memory Project CIC which specialises in recording life stories alongside personal photographs to create publications, exhibitions, films and events across the UK.
This workshop will be delivered by the Living Memory Project, which works with oral historians, storytellers, photographers, artists and filmmakers to produce projects that celebrate the rich lives and experiences of ordinary people from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds.
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ADDITIONAL INFO
Where is this event happening?
We’ll be meeting at the upper levels of the Smethwick Library.
When is this event happening?
This event will be happening on Sat 28th May 2022. It is made up of three sessions which will take place over the course of one day, from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Do I need to bring anything?
We’ll be in touch closer to the time with more details on what to bring. All info will be sent to the email address you used to register for the event.
Will lunch be provided?
Vegetarian samosa snacks will be provided, but feel free to bring your own lunch, snacks and refreshments.
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ABOUT MADE IN SMETHWICK
Made in Smethwick is an exciting season of events and activities taking place in and around Smethwick, highlighting the rich global history of local area.
Focusing on stories relating to two former industrial sites – Chance Brothers Glassworks and Soho Foundry and Mint – the events are a chance for people to explore the town’s industrial heritage, discover the history of their neighbourhood, and share their own ideas about what it’s like to live, work, and grow up in the area.
VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME
This isn’t the only event! Check out the full programme here.
THANKS TO…
This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
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HAVE YOUR SAY: HOW SHOULD OUR OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS BE USED?
Chance Heritage Trust is on a mission to raise the cultural profile of Smethwick’s industrial heritage, and bring former industrial buildings – like the iconic Chance Glassworks – back into use within the community.
Now, with help from the Community Renewal Fund, Chance Heritage Trust is starting to develop plans for the Chance Glassworks site.
This survey is part of a wider programme of community consultation, which will help to shape these plans.
How would you like to see these buildings used? And, apart from living and working spaces, what kind of opportunities and facilities should they contain for community use?