We have been busy here at Dreadnought working away with our plans for the next few years and we now have some amazing news to share with you. We are very proud and thrilled to let you know that:
Dreadnought South West wins National Lottery support for the Rebellious Sounds Archive of oral histories about women and their activism.
We have received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for this exciting two-year project. Made possible by National Lottery players, the project focuses on creating a new community archive of stories that will take the shape of a mobile listening booth, built like a voting booth, so it can tour the region to gather, record and share these oral histories by women.
The project will enable women’s voices to be heard in an exciting new way. Touring across the South West, the listening booth will work with museums, community venues and organisations, providing inclusive and accessible opportunities and activities to contribute, participate, volunteer, and learn more about our rich heritage of women who have contributed to activism in the region over the past 100 years. The collection will seek stories by older women, particularly those who were at Greenham Common, women from BAME backgrounds, LGBTQ women, disabled women, and women who have addressed legislative change within the workplace.
Co-director Natalie McGrath says: “We are indebted to players of the National Lottery for this support. This project would not be possible without them. It will forefront and share a new wave of stories about the achievements and contributions of women in society, now and long into the future.“
Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West, said: “Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the voices of women and the stories they have to tell of struggles, change and success are being heard loud and clear. We’re delighted to support this creative project, which will not only make a century of heritage available to audiences across the South West but also enable everyone to add their own voices to a living and evolving archive.”
So if you have a story you would like to tell, or know of someone, either let us know or let them know to get in touch with us.
Deadline for applications is Thursday 21st September.
There is more news on the horizon as we will also be running a new project in Exeter over the coming months called Rebellious Threads. Supported by Exeter City Council, this project will take place in a range of spaces across the city to bring together craft activities and conversations about activism. Our next mail-out will provide more details on how to get involved.
WOW
We are really excited that WOW Exeter will take place on 14-15 October at Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Central Library and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Women of the World originates at Southbank Centre, and has become a global festival celebrating the incredible achievements of women and girls. You can find out all about the programme via this link: www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/women-of-the-world/ or follow on Twitter and Facebook @WOWExeter.
We look forward to seeing you at this festival.
Sending everyone warm wishes for this autumn and thank you for your ongoing support.
Natalie McGrath and Josie Sutcliffe
Co-Directors Dreadnought South West
