One of the challenges facing many heritage projects is ensuring that local communities feel genuine ownership of the stories being told.
The best projects don’t simply present history. They invite people to shape it.
That’s the approach being taken through ‘Mojo Rising – Celebrating 60 Years of Music and Community’, a National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project exploring the legacy of Sheffield’s legendary King Mojo club.
Over recent weeks, artist Angela Hardwick and former King Mojo artist Paul Norton have worked alongside former club-goers to develop a community mural inspired by memories, stories and personal experiences.
On Thursday, July 2nd, that process becomes even more collaborative when members of the public are invited to help paint the artwork during a live session at Weston Park Museum in Sheffield.
The event demonstrates how creative engagement can help transform heritage interpretation from something people simply view into something they actively participate in.
For heritage organisations seeking meaningful public engagement, it provides an excellent example of community-led storytelling in action.