Young people show us how it's done
Ambarin, Shannagh and Lauren are three volunteers for the £10million Kick the Dust programme supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. As part of a young people's takeover day, they visited our London offices and got a glimpse behind the scenes of the heritage world.
Follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and read on to find out what heritage means to them:
Ambarin Quadri
My name is Ambarin Quadri and I am from the Hope Street festival in Lancashire. We want to inspire all age groups to feel welcome but also to help them believe that they belong. We are currently designing a festival which is taking place next year to make sure everyone has something to look forward to no matter what cultural or financial background they come from. I joined The National Lottery Heritage Fund because I wanted to help everyone’s voices be heard. This festival is for everyone to feel loved and hope for the impossible.
I wanted to come today to Takeover Day to see how everyone works across the project, not just my own.
Shannagh Strudwick
I’m Shannagh Strudwick. My project is part of the Ignite scheme in Yorkshire. In this I am building a "Bodges lodge" with a group of young people, which is going to be used as storage for all of our heritage projects. In the future we are also going to get someone to come and help us put in stained glass windows.
This is part of bringing heritage to young people. It's good because it is fun and enjoyable for young people to take part in and see that heritage isn’t just all about going to museums and looking around them, as many young people think it is. It is also about seeing how things used to be made and what used to happen in the past.
I wanted to get involved with the Takeover Day because I thought it was a good way to see what goes on behind the scenes and see how everything gets put together.
Lauren Dennis
My name is Lauren Dennis and I am 20 years old. I am from Leicester and I am part of Y Heritage which is a group for young people.
"The whole point is to engage young people, putting them in the position of actually being in control and having responsibility. It made me feel so powerful."
We have been given the opportunity where a few young people are placed on a panel very similar to Dragon's Den where local heritage organisations can bid for funding. It helps to engage young people and give them the chance to gain experience and life skills, preparing them for the future and going into adulthood yet also linking that in with heritage.
Our aim is to make young people understand that there’s so much more to heritage than just buildings and artefacts. It is also about the young people expanding their understanding and knowledge of their heritage.
The whole point of the Y Heritage is to engage young people from The Y, putting them in the position of actually being in control and having responsibility. It made me feel so powerful.
Find out more
Find out more about what we have learned from working with young people and get inspired by all of our young people's projects.
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A missing voice - the young person in the museum
I have thought a lot about where and how there can be a space for young people in museums.
As part of the Digital Maker Club, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund's Kick the Dust programme, a group of young people (including me) were brought into the Ulster Museum and over several weeks, we learned how to use a range of digital technologies.
Alongside this, we were encouraged to interact with museum collections and we met with curators. This meant that we were able to digitally create something in response to our own national heritage.
By the end of the project, we had enough creations to host an exhibition.
Telling a new story of The Troubles
I was inspired by one of the main exhibitions in the Ulster Museum, about The Troubles. The exhibition's curator, Karen Logan, encouraged us to explore and discuss the collection.
One of its strengths was that it was able to include multiple narratives, not only those of Unionists and Nationalists, in telling social history, like the first Pride festival in Belfast and women's writing groups. However, there did seem to be a missing voice - that of the young person.
I identified the gap of young voices and that the exhibition didn't connect the history of The Troubles to the subsequent social and political landscape of Northern Ireland today. I felt that if a tourist visited this exhibition, they would not grasp the aftermath of The Troubles and what that means for Northern Ireland at present.
The project gave me the opportunity to try and create a space for this missing voice. So I decided to exhibit a series on what the main issues were facing young people in Northern Ireland today.
Sabi, a friend I met on the project, took stunning, abstract photos from around Belfast and I interviewed young people from a range of different backgrounds. Their answers illuminated and lamented issues such as:
- mental health problems
- the oppression of LGBT+ rights and women's reproductive rights
- Brexit
- segregated schooling
- the absence of our government and how Green and Orange politics continue to hold us back
Tech can help revolutionise the museum
From my experience and observing others on the project, I think that, as well as being able to bring young people into the museum, technology provides a new way for them to think about their place in it.
Technology can offer a new paradigm.
The museum is (or should be) an inherently interactive space (with or without tech) but using interactive technology reminds us of this. Being given technological tools to create something as a response to the collections energised me to respond to it thoughtfully, creatively, critically.
I didn't necessarily need tech to make my part of the exhibition, but being part of the Digital Maker Club and having my ideas listened to, encouraged and facilitated, inspired me to do so.
It is through interaction that the visitor makes meaning from objects and collections. The museum should not merely be a system of knowledge which we can passively accept meaning from. Introducing technology can help revolutionise the way we see the museum, kicking the dust from our perceptions of an old, hierarchical system of acquiring knowledge.
I think that it is this outlook, as much as the technology itself, which has the potential to draw young people in to the museum and make it an inclusive, engaging space.
Find out more
Niamh has written a longer blog on the Reimagine Remake Replay website.
How a 200-year-old society is inspiring young minorities in Brum
The Lunar Society was an informal gathering of leaders, industrialists and scientists in Birmingham who met regularly 200 years ago to discuss matters of the country. You might be wondering what this has to do with minorities today in Brum.
Just as Birmingham’s original Lunar Society talked about important matters of the time, we at Don’t Settle aim to do the same.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has supported Don't Settle, a project run by Beatfreaks which helps young people of colour to tell the stories of communities that have been neglected in heritage. One way we are doing this is through the Lunar Campfires, which are inspired by that 18th-century debating society.
However, instead of eminent white men, Don’t Settle Lunar Campfires want to give young people of colour a space to talk about what’s important to them. We’re specifically aimed at young ethnic minorities in Birmingham whose voices are often the last to be heard in a loud and overly stimulated world, yet more often than not have a lot to say.
I’m Not White, What Do You Call Me?
The first one took place at Soho House in Birmingham. The bold title was: I’m Not White, What Do You Call Me? It’s a provocative question that forces you to interrogate yourself, and what it means to be anything but white in a world that’s only just beginning to call out ongoing issues among ethnic minorities.
More specifically, it addresses the topic of privilege. It draws attention to the fact that people in certain communities simply do not have the same advantages or disadvantages as people from another community. This pertains specifically to people of colour versus white people - who are often the first to enjoy privileges based on the colour of their skin (white privilege).
"Whiteness is the norm. If you say you're not white, you're automatically 'the other.'"
— Don't Settle (@WeDontSettle) June 21, 2019
"When you say white, people predominantly mean white British."
"White itself has its own diversity. No one asks a white person 'what type of white are you?'" #LunarCampfires
Our theme for the first Lunar was language, how it influences us as individuals within our communities, and the environment that surrounds that community.
"Accents is a big issue...As soon as I answer the phone, there is a pause. Not sure if they're trying to guess what I'm saying or trying to figure where I'm from...it was worse when I worked in a call centre." #LunarCampfires
— Don't Settle (@WeDontSettle) June 21, 2019
Making a space for people
What makes Lunar Campfires so unique is how much thought and care is put into making the event as comfortable and safe as possible. This is because topics such as race and ethnicity can be so challenging for some young people who might not be as comfortable with sharing their trauma or opinions.
To ensure comfort, we created a literal safe space that we labelled Have a Moment, in which people could have a breather and calm themselves. I had never come across this before but understood why having such a space is important, and how this might encourage more young people to listen or speak out at events.
My experience as a Resident has been remarkable. I never thought I would have the honour of being part of something that actively strives for change.
I can vouch for feeling unimportant or unheard as a youth. I often felt as if anything political or relevant I had to say was quickly dismissed as “complaining” or meaningless banter that would never leave the sanctum of the table or space that it was discussed in.
This is why events like Lunar Campfires are so important in this day and age. It’s a space that doesn’t just evoke discussion in a safe space but also records and acknowledges what was said.
It has been an honour to work on such a project and to be involved with a collective that aims to not just talk about making a difference, but actually making sure what is said by young people is heard and understood.
Find out more
Find out more about Don't Settle on the Beatfreeks website and find the full discussion on Twitter.
The next Lunar Campfire, Too Dark for the 'Gram, Too Light for the Culture, takes place on 27 September 2019.
Ways to meaningfully involve young people in heritage
Making heritage relevant to more – and more diverse – young people, is important to The National Lottery Hertiage Fund. That's why we set up Kick the Dust, a £10million pilot programme to explore new ways of working with young people.
In summer 2019, we held a workshop to gather the ideas learned so far from organisations that received funding.
Top tips on involving young people in heritage
- Organisations may find it useful to think about who makes decisions internally – and consider how young people can be involved in those decisions.
- Work out who in your organisation might be enthusiastic about your project and want to help.
- Think about how to create safe discussion spaces for young people.
- A trustee or CEO could meet and discuss ideas with the young people at their meetings, rather than the young person having to attend a trustee meeting – which could be intimidating.
- Consider having training for staff, and CEO briefings run by young people about young people.
- Young people need different routes of progression within your organisation.
- Young people can inform adults too; it’s a two-way relationship.
- Think about time commitments: young people have complex and busy lives and may not want to be involved all the time – or at all.
- Don’t impose your own agenda, stay flexible and exploratory.
- Question your assumptions and the language you use.
- Evaluate internal structures. For example, if you want to involve young people in a board meeting, holding it at 2pm might not be the best time if they have school, college or work.
- Consider leadership and life skills guidance for young people as part of the project.
Learning from case studies
Every project that attended the workshop brought along an object that represented an activity or method they have successfully used to engage young people.
Norfolk Museums Service Norfolk Journeys project: clay sculpture
They said: “We’ve been working with young people involved in the criminal justice system on a project about mark making, creating marks and thinking about the marks we leave on society.
"We have found that young people want to engage with the project, but don’t always know how.”
Don’t Settle project: image of young people on visit to Migration Museum
They said: “We are looking at neglected narratives of cultures and have been setting up a youth committee. We have been thinking about the question: ‘what do young people of colour bring to the board room?'”.
Ignite Yorkshire: logo, newly designed with young people
“Young people wrote the brief and mission statement. It’s important that co-creation is authentic and genuine.”
The Y, Leicester: paper money
“We found that some young people were interested in money, so we gave them their own budget. Young people commissioned their own project, and heritage organisations presented ideas to them 'Dragon’s Den' style.”
Find out more
You can read more about the scheme in our Kick The Dust Evaluation.
You might also be interested in...
Helping all young people get hands on with nature
London Wildlife Trust’s Keeping it Wild programme helps young people aged 11-25 gain skills for life while conserving the city's wild spaces.
Trainees undertake three-month paid internships at a London Wildlife Trust site. They have the chance to join the Youth Forum, which advises the Trust’s board on how to really embed youth engagement. It plays a vital role in planning, managing and evaluating the project so that it meets the needs of young people.
We visited Sydenham Hill Wood, south London, on a Wild Action Day. Despite heavy rain, the dedicated trainees showed their passion for conservation by sticking out the day until its waterlogged end.
Trainee Jess said she thought the programme was about: “increasing opportunities for young people who may not have had the chance to experience the natural sector. It’s not the most diverse and many people think it’s not for them.”
Using nature for wellbeing
The day was guided by The Wheel of Wellbeing. Developed by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, The Wheel of Wellbeing offers practical tips to improve your wellbeing by considering Body, Mind, Spirit, People, Place and Planet.
Find out more on the Wheel of Wellbeing website.
Body
"Be active... Your body is designed to move. Physical activities can positively influence the way you think, feel and function."
We met Lee as he sawed through fallen branches to be used as path edges. He told us: "I never had the breaks, I left school with few qualifications. But this has really been a great opportunity, it is great what they are doing across London.”
Mind
"Keep learning... Studies are showing that life-long learners are some of the healthiest, happiest people around."
While removing duckweed from the pond, we scooped up a discarded dragonfly nymph shell . We learned that both dragonfly nymphs and dragonflies are carnivorous - the nymph's prey-crunching jaw was the inspiration for the Alien films!
Spirit
"Give... Practicing random acts of kindness, volunteering time, or simply saying ‘thank you’ all work wonders for your wellbeing."
Here's Chantelle laying new path edges using fallen branches, fastening them with axe-whittled stakes and wire. We found out that following on from her time with Keeping it Wild, she is about to start a new job as project officer for the Great North Wood Project at London Wildlife Trust.
People
"Connect... Close relationships with friends and family can add up to seven years to our lives. So plan a get-together to connect more with the people around you."
A crackling camp fire had two benefits: cooking homemade calzone pizzas and drying everyone off! The team gathered around for a chat over a much-needed hot drink.
Planet
"Care... Keeping our planet in tip-top shape is the best recipe for world wellbeing. Small positive changes can make a big difference."
We met Calum clearing duckweed from the wood’s Dewy Pond so that oxygen can reach the life below. The release of sulphuric acid generated a questionable odour, but Calum said: “I’d rather be here in the rain with a funky smell than be on my sofa at home." The traineeship solidified his passion for nature, and he’ll soon be studying British Wildlife Conservation at Gloucester University.
Place
"Take notice... Noticing nature helps us press the pause button. It reduces the stress of our 21st-century ‘hurry-worry’ lives."
Ishmael’s interest in mindfulness lead the team to ask if he could lead an exercise to finish off the day. He told us that mindfulness can combat “unnecessary rumination and unhelpful thoughts, so you can stay more in the present. The sounds and sensations can be more nuanced in nature."
He encouraged fellow trainees to “shut your eyes, distinguish five sounds: this could be the rain coming down, the birds, the breeze occasionally rolling past."
We're feeling better already...
About the project
Keeping It Wild is part of the National Lottery-funded Kick the Dust programme, a series of 12 projects across the UK which are putting young people at the heart of heritage.
London Wildlife Trust is leading on the programme with support and expertise from:
- London Youth
- Headliners (UK)
- John Muir Trust
Funding for natural heritage and projects that involve a wider range of people are both priorities for The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Find out more about what we want your project to achieve.
Ways to meaningfully involve young people in heritage
Making heritage relevant to more – and more diverse – young people, is important to The National Lottery Hertiage Fund. That's why we set up Kick the Dust, a £10million pilot programme to explore new ways of working with young people.
In summer 2019, we held a workshop to gather the ideas learned so far from organisations that received funding.
Top tips on involving young people in heritage
- Organisations may find it useful to think about who makes decisions internally – and consider how young people can be involved in those decisions.
- Work out who in your organisation might be enthusiastic about your project and want to help.
- Think about how to create safe discussion spaces for young people.
- A trustee or CEO could meet and discuss ideas with the young people at their meetings, rather than the young person having to attend a trustee meeting – which could be intimidating.
- Consider having training for staff, and CEO briefings run by young people about young people.
- Young people need different routes of progression within your organisation.
- Young people can inform adults too; it’s a two-way relationship.
- Think about time commitments: young people have complex and busy lives and may not want to be involved all the time – or at all.
- Don’t impose your own agenda, stay flexible and exploratory.
- Question your assumptions and the language you use.
- Evaluate internal structures. For example, if you want to involve young people in a board meeting, holding it at 2pm might not be the best time if they have school, college or work.
- Consider leadership and life skills guidance for young people as part of the project.
Learning from case studies
Every project that attended the workshop brought along an object that represented an activity or method they have successfully used to engage young people.
Norfolk Museums Service Norfolk Journeys project: clay sculpture
They said: “We’ve been working with young people involved in the criminal justice system on a project about mark making, creating marks and thinking about the marks we leave on society.
"We have found that young people want to engage with the project, but don’t always know how.”
Don’t Settle project: image of young people on visit to Migration Museum
They said: “We are looking at neglected narratives of cultures and have been setting up a youth committee. We have been thinking about the question: ‘what do young people of colour bring to the board room?'”.
Ignite Yorkshire: logo, newly designed with young people
“Young people wrote the brief and mission statement. It’s important that co-creation is authentic and genuine.”
The Y, Leicester: paper money
“We found that some young people were interested in money, so we gave them their own budget. Young people commissioned their own project, and heritage organisations presented ideas to them 'Dragon’s Den' style.”
Find out more
You can read more about the scheme in our Kick The Dust Evaluation.