The idea
In 2022 Blaze supported a group of young people (aged 13 - 25) in Burnley to explore their local LGBT+ heritage. The group recorded oral histories from the community, produced their own exhibition that toured libraries in East Lancashire, published zines (self published magazines) and organised public events. Through the project, the group developed confidence, skills and their wellbeing improved as a result of connecting with their heritage.
The Burnley Young Producers have big ambitions and want to deliver a Pride event in 2023. Young people in other areas of East Lancashire have told us that they want similar opportunities to connect with their heritage, contribute to their community and gain new skills and experience from working with professional creatives.
With your support we will support more young people in Burnley, Rossendale, Accrington and Pendle to document and celebrate East Lancashire's diverse histories and promote inclusivity.
What we'll deliver
- At least forty workshops for youth groups in Accrington, Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.
- Recruit freelance creative practitioners to work with young people and make their ideas a reality.
- Support young people to research their heritage and record oral histories.
- A Pride event in Burnley in summer 2023.
- Take young people on research trips to gain inspiration and broaden their horizons.
- At least 3 'Find Out More' events for the local community in each area (all ages welcome!)
Why it's a great idea
We’ve spoken to young LGBT+ people currently accessing youth services in East Lancashire who have told us that ‘people need to be educated’ and ‘we need more visibility in our community'. This project will respond to these needs, giving young people the opportunity to engage with their community in positive ways.
Young participants will gain confidence and feel more connected to their local community. They will have the opportunity to make new friends in a safe space and benefit from working as part of a team.
In our last project a member of the community who saw the Young Producer's exhibition said ‘In a small town you don’t really hear much about gay + lesbian history so reading all this makes me feel accepted.’
The project will unearth and document heritage that is at risk whilst supporting the LGBT+ community.
Stand Out provides an opportunity to challenge perceptions and promote East Lancashire's diverse and radical heritage.
Steps to get it done
- Recruit a project manager.
- Deliver Find Out More events for the community and to connect generations and
- Research local LGBT+ heritage and record oral histories
- Recruit artists and creative practitioners to work with young people to creatively respond to the heritage
- Share creative outputs of the project with the public
- Deliver a Pride event in Burnley
