A new cultural initiative called Hear | Here has been launched in Dumfries, aiming to amplify the voices of under-represented communities over the next three years. The project, led by Martin O’Neill, the artistic director of The Stove Network, seeks to give a platform to voices that have been historically overlooked in Dumfries. This initiative will incorporate public art, storytelling, and creative campaigns to engage with themes such as regeneration, climate change, and cultural integration.
The inaugural year of Hear | Here will focus on celebrating the contributions of travelling showpeople to Dumfries since the mid-1500s. The project will collaborate with local organisations, charities, and community groups to blend creativity with activism and promote diversity and cultural heritage in the region. The launch event at The Stove included talks, films, and a walking experience to the Suspension Bridge, historically significant to show communities in Dumfries.
Hear | Here’s partnership with Fair Scotland, a charity founded by Scottish showpeople, artists, and researchers, aims to continue the efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of showpeople. Dr Mitch Miller and Dr t s Beall, co-chairpersons of Fair Scotland, emphasised the importance of Dumfries to Scotland’s showpeople and expressed hope that the project will facilitate conversations to secure their cultural legacy for the future.
The project’s focus on advocacy, citizenship, and human rights comes at a critical moment for Dumfries, aligning with ongoing civic discussions about the town’s future. By engaging with diverse voices and histories, Hear | Here aims to inspire a more inclusive and culturally rich future for Dumfries.
In summary, the launch of the Hear | Here initiative in Dumfries represents a significant step towards recognising and celebrating the contributions of under-represented communities in the region. Through a blend of creativity, activism, and community engagement, this three-year project will work towards creating a more inclusive and culturally diverse future for Dumfries.