heritage interpretation
Entertaining Swindon: Exhibition of the Performing Arts in Swindon 1955 – 1985
Exhibition of the Performing Arts in Swindon 1955 – 1985. Arts Council funded
“A significant amount of public engagement with the people of Swindon helped to form the content of the exhibition. Kate showed considerably strong communication skills in this public engagement role, quickly making links to exploit local knowledge, building goodwill to rally support for the project and keep the Museum regularly informed of progress.” Jon Ratcliffe, Swindon Museum & Art Gallery
I researched, wrote and designed interpretation panels and arranged the loan of artefacts; exhibition build and decant and exhibition publicity. Community research uncovered a network of connected performers from 1950s big bands to 1980s punks. These connections became the central theme of the exhibition.
The exhibition launch with local performing dignitaries
Interpretation panel: the Empire Theatre closed in 1955 (the starting point of the exhibition). Dance teacher, Molly Tanner (above) performed in the last ever show
1955–1985 – a web of places and people connecting Swindon's performing arts scene