Her Hidden Histories: drama and performance project

This creative heritage project engaged two core groups of under-served young women aged 12-18 from across Greater Manchester over a two-year period. 

The project was delivered by enJOY arts, an award-winning community arts organisation based at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Ardwick, Manchester. 

Connecting local heritage

Working in partnership with local small heritage venues, the project used archival research, site visits and source material to develop the young women’s skills as researchers.

The research then informed the creation of three site-specific public performances, bringing heritage to life at each historically significant venue. These included Greater Manchester Police Museum, Museum of Transport Greater Manchester and Victoria Baths. 

The final performance coincided with the centenary of the first women being granted the vote in 2018. 
 
An interactive digital archive was developed throughout the project to capture and share more widely the heritage being explored by the groups of young people.