Bridging Histories: Launch of a major project to connect people in Bristol

In the aftermath of the historic moment that saw Colston’s statue toppled, mayor Marvin Rees set up a commission to research Bristol’s “true” story.

The idea was that gaining a better understanding of the city’s rich and varied heritage and the people within it will help forge connections and better inform decisions about the future.

More than a year down the line and the commission is launching its first major project – Bridging Histories – which invites individuals and communities across Bristol to explore their past, present and future.

Dr Joanna Burch-Brown is leading the work and says this is “a moment of huge possibility for positive change in Bristol”.

“The We Are Bristol History Commission was set up to facilitate conversations around our history and where we want to go in the future,” says Joanna.

“The aim of this project is to give everybody in the city a chance to get involved in shaping that conversation.”

Listen to Joanna Burch-Brown talk about Bridging Histories in the latest Behind the Headlines podcast:

https://soundcloud.com/bristol247/bristol247-behind-the-headlines-podcast-episode-12

Joanna, who is the co-chair of We Are Bristol History Commission and a senior lecturer in philosophy at Bristol University, believes the project poses an opportunity to facilitate positive conversations rather than divisions in the city in the wake of Colston’s statue being toppled.

“There are these profoundly different world views and that kind of difference can seem threatening and be uncomfortable at times, but when we share things like food, those different views can become fascinating and enriching,” says Joanna.

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Read more: Mayor to launch commission to research Bristol’s ‘true’ history

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Derek Edwards, the founder and creative director of Patwa, has taken a lead role in branding the Bridging Histories project and co-designing a website for it.

“The main message behind the creative approach is that by sharing stories we find connections,” says Derek.

“We may not agree on all issues, however, we can try and learn to understand why we disagree. I think it’s important this reaches all communities and not just the people with the loudest voices for it to be a real success.”

The commission is made up largely of academics and councillors so how will its members ensure the project fulfils its purpose and engages everyone in the city?

Joanna says the group is working actively with community groups and schools to encourage people to get involved and share their stories.

“There all sorts of reasons people may be cautious of engaging,” admits Joanna.

“People might feel their voices won’t be listened to. But this is not about a consultation, it’s about sharing stories from every corner of the community – it’s something that you can shape for yourself, no matter what your political views are, no matter what you thought of Colston’s statue.

“It’s essential that this project reaches people from every different background – every story matters, everyone has a unique insight into what’s going on in their lives and communities.

“If we are going to create positive change as a whole city, we need voices from every corner so it’s really about connecting with each other – learning and inspiring other people. It’s really about empowering everybody.”

Dr Shawn Sobers, a member of the commission, at the Colston statue display at the M Shed – photo by Martin Booth

There are six activities under the project and people can choose to do one, some or all of them. They include;

• Writing a poem, each line starting with ‘I am from’.
• Sharing a favourite recipe and story to go with it.
• Looking into the history of your street.
• Diving into family history.
• Becoming a ‘monument detective’.
• Being a changemaker.

Participants will automatically be entered into a Summer Stars Competition and the Changemakers Competition, with the winners of the Changemaker Competition receiving £100 – £1,000 and a session with a mentor to develop their change-making further.

Marvin Rees says: “Everyone experiences the consequences of the past differently. The Bridging Histories project will help us all build a better understanding of Bristol’s story by learning about our origins and our journey.

“Part of the process will involve looking at significant events and their meanings and making sure we share stories with generations to come. This work will be an important step in helping us live with difference.”

Find out more about how you can get involved via www.bridginghistories.com.

Main photos courtesy of Derek Edwards and Joanna Burch-Brown

Read more: Reimagining a future beyond museums in the aftermath of Colston