Missing Touchstones? Don’t worry, the team have it taped
●●THE TOUCHSTONES TAPES
WHILE Touchstones is temporarily out of action for its refurbishment, the team is continuing to provide plenty for art lovers to get their teeth into.
Diving into the heart of Rochdale’s creative community with The Touchstones Tapes, a captivating podcast sheds light on some of Greater Manchester’s unsung cultural heroes.
Delving deep into the essence of art, culture and community, the series engages in heartfelt conversations with individuals who stand at the forefront of community initiatives.
It is produced by Carlie Foster for Audio Always as part of the Manchester Amplified programme.
The Touchstones Tapes: Sleeve Notes 1
How did artist Liz Collins and the local LGBTQ+ community transform Touchstones’ gallery in Rochdale into a social haven?
Join Helen, Riz and Chris delving into community, self-discovery and vibrant representation.
Hosted by Touchstones’ Bryan Beresford, Richard Philbin and Katie Roberts.
Joined by: Helen Beckett - Touchstones’ collections and exhibitions manager, Riz Ali - Touchstones’ cultural community coordinator, Chris Hoyle - theatre maker and actor. This episode’s object is a painting named Performance by John CM Loins.
The Touchstones Tapes: Sleeve Notes 2
Listen in as Shakra and Janet talk about the work they do with children and adults alike to give the community a sense of place and connection, as they uncover the hidden treasures located in the Local Studies Centre.
Hosted by Touchstones’ Bryan Beresford, Richard Philbin and Katie Roberts.
Joined by: Janet Byrne Local Studies Supervisor, Shakra Butt - Local Studies Assistant. This episode’s objects include a mugshot book, the book of Short History of Miss Joanna Worth, and the Annals of Rochdale.
The Touchstones Tapes: Sleeve Notes 3
A chat with guests Mark Doyle and Laura Mansfield about future plans in developing a lively museum collection, exploring the culturally rich world of food!
They are delighted to announce that they’ve received the National Lottery Heritage Fund support to make The Dining Room (new working title) a reality. Keep your eyes peeled on the website for more!
Hosted by Touchstones’ Bryan Beresford, Richard Philbin and Katie Roberts.
Joined by: Mark Doyle Director of Arts, Culture and Wellbeing at Touchstones; Laura Mansfield Independent creator and writer Feast - https://feastjournal.co.uk
This episode’s objects include Mark’s recipe book made by family for his time away at university and Laura’s small ceramic plate made by Aaliyah Hussain.
The Touchstones Tapes: Sleeve Notes 4
A chat with Sarah Taylor about Touchstones’ Collections on Tour programme, bringing art, such as the wonderful work of Lowry, to the heart of the community.
In this episode they explore the local community’s active participation in the arts, find new fun and
fabulous ways to sustain the valuable connection between spaces and the community and uncover the tale of creating a museum without walls.
Hosted by Touchstones’ Bryan Beresford, Richard Philbin and Katie Roberts.
Joined by: Sarah Taylor Community Development Organiser for Arcon Housing (www.arcon.org.uk)
This episode’s object was a painting from LS Lowry named Our Town.
The Touchstones Tapes: Sleeve Notes 5
A chat with Leona Armstrong and David Allen, who both work alongside
young people with the aim of rebuilding trust and positivity around their education.
Find out how this work is vital for the exposure of art for young people, some of whom have gone on to make and sell their own art.
Hosted by Touchstones’ Bryan Beresford, Richard Philbin and Katie Roberts.
Joined by: Leona Armstrong - Campus and Wellbeing lead at Pinc College, David Allen - CEO of Skylight Circus Arts. This episode’s object from Sarah is a painting named Pressure From One’s Environment by Jack Crabtree.