The Rebellious Sounds Archive joins in women’s vote celebrations

As part of the celebrations to mark 100 years of the women’s vote, the Rebellious Sounds Archive (RSA), a Heritage Lottery Funded project, will be exhibiting a Listening Booth at M Shed.

The RSA Listening Booth is the first verbal archive of activism stories from women across the South West and brings women’s voices and actions to the forefront, educating everyone about the significant impact that women have and their ability to make change.

The project has been created by Dreadnought South West, a charity whose purpose is to advance the public’s knowledge of women’s societal roles from a historical and present-day viewpoint. The Listening Booth has been touring the South West since February and aims to collect over 40 activism stories relating to BAME, LGBTQ+, disability, gender and racial equality, legislation, democracy, employment rights and other diverse topics.

The Listening Booth contains stories of women’s activism from both a historical and a modern perspective

The Listening Booth will be exhibited on Saturday June 30, and will then stay at M Shed until Sunday July 8, when two listening party workshops are due to be held.

Carmen Talbot, RSA Project Coordinator said: “This one-of-a-kind project commemorates contemporary women’s stories, deliberately taking place during the centenary year of votes for some women to support this year of commemoration. We will be recording women’s activism stories whilst in Bristol, so if you have a story to tell about how activism has played a part in your life, do get in touch.

“We are looking to add to the two fantastic stories from women in Bristol already collected; Maddie Harris, Director of the Humans for Rights Network and Dr. Linda Thomas, environmental activist and creator of the Wave of Waste dress.”

Maddie Harris, story donor to the archive and Director of the Humans for Rights Network, said: “I was interested in being part of the archive because I believe it is important to ensure that the stories of those fighting to effect change across all facets of society are vital in helping us to create a world in which we all want to live. The emphasis on, and inclusion of grass roots activists and individuals in the archive, illustrate the importance of citizen activism and action. As the founder of a new human rights organisation, to be included is particularly exciting as it creates room for learning and collaboration.

“My work began with a year volunteering in Dunkirk Refugee camp supporting refugees there, leading to the development of Humans for Rights Network. HFRN digitally documents rights violations against refugees, asylum seekers and migrants throughout Europe in order to force accountability and justice.”

Dreadnought South West will also present The Cause, a play honouring the women’s fight for the right to vote

Alongside the RSA, Dreadnought South West are also presenting The Cause, a play commemorating the fight for women’s suffrage 100 years ago which will be performed at Bristol’s Redgrave Theatre on July 6.

To find out how to add your story to the archive, contact carment.dreadnoughtsw@gmail.com and for more information including tour dates visit www.dreadnoughtsouthwest.org.uk or follow @rebellioussoundsarchive on Instagram.

Photography by Theo Moye

www.dreadnoughtsouthwest.org.uk/rebellious-sounds-archive

Founded in 2012, Dreadnought South West is an organisation that connects individuals and communities through the telling and keeping of great and courageous stories about women that have lain undiscovered and often untold.

Read more: Thousands take to streets to mark 100 years of women getting vote