The Rebellious Sounds Archive new touring listening booth receives high praise
Over 70 guests gathered at the Exeter Phoenix to celebrate the reveal of the Rebellious Sounds Archive touring Listening Booth. Housing the first oral archive of activism stories from women across the South West, the booth is set to engage and educate people from all walks of life about the importance and impact that women have as change-makers.
Proudly opened by the Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Ms. Lesley Robson, the Rebellious Sounds Archive, developed by Dreadnought South West, commemorates contemporary women’s stories whilst deliberately taking place during the centenary year of votes for some women in the UK.
Tara Smith, food and lifestyle blogger and winner of Grow Exeter 100 most influential women award 2018 said, “I feel honoured to be one of the first listeners. It’s a thought provoking experience and I think it is remarkable that 40 activism stories relating to BAME, LGBTQ+, disability, gender and racial equality, legislation, democracy, employment rights and many more diverse topics will be collected and shared this year. The South West should be very proud that the Rebellious Sounds Archive started here.”
Project funder representatives, Kelly Spry-Phare Development Manager from Heritage Lottery Fund South West, Mahi Ahmed from Exeter City Council, and Councillor Yvonne Atkinson from Fawcett Devon attended the event, as did Rebellious Sounds Archive supporters including
Tomas Williams, Senior Community Outreach and Engagement Officer for Parliament and Dr. Alan Butler, Co-Director of Pride in Plymouth.
Guests enjoyed speeches from Dreadnought South West Co-Directors Natalie McGrath and Josie Sutcliffe, poetry from story donor Eileen O’Hara and a demonstration by the listening booth designers Barney Heywood and Lucy Telling of Stand and Stare.
Designer, Lucy said: “The listening booth makes heritage interactive and interesting. Young and older people will be able to hear women who have stood up for what they believe in and the positive difference they made to their community or society. It really is a memorable experience sitting at the booth being surrounded by a library of women’s voices.”
Carmen Talbot, Rebellious Sounds Archive Project Coordinator, said: “The Rebellious Sounds Archive and the Listening Booth provide a unique experience to inspire conversations and different perspectives. If you think so too, please consider supporting our crowdfunding campaign. Our aim is to raise funds so that we can take the listening booth to more venues and put on workshops for as many community groups as possible this year. To pledge and to find out more, including tour dates please visit www.dreadnoughtsouthwest.org.uk
