Histories Stories Voices

Histories Stories Voices is about revealing new stories about our city and neighbourhoods. It will explore what is and what is not represented in our public spaces.

We have now completed the consultation with communities to help us and our partners shape the project. We have also recruited two research associates from the University of Manchester to scope and offer recommendations to develop a digital platform. We are currently taking in all of the feedback and research to create a framework for delivery for the next few years.

Brief background:

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder by police in the USA there became a strong global recognition of the Black Lives Matter movement and other protests and demonstrations calling for action to end racial inequality. There has been widespread questioning of public items including statues that commemorate people and events responsible for institutionalised exploitation and murder.

Many city councils in the UK have reviewed their policies and in Manchester, a public consultation took place in 2021 to review how the city’s historical and current-day diversity is reflected in the city’s public realm. This was supported by Manchester Histories and the full detailed report is available to read HERE.

There is also a more accessible 10-minute film of ‘video-box’ responses to the consultation which is worth a watch HERE.

The Histories Stories and Voices project is a long-term project that seeks to build on this work and we plan to make an application for significant funds that can create better and more relevant public spaces in Manchester. We are inviting people to join us on this journey.

Histories Stories Voices is a partnership project between Manchester Histories & Manchester City Council.