The overall aim of the project is to uncover, explore and interpret stories relating to the important role Hope Mill has played for local people during its 200 year life span, including its pivotal place at the heart of huge industrial, social and cultural revolutions.
The researcher will be required to search out and collate historical material – e.g. facts, images, documents, artefacts and oral material/testimonials – in response to questions raised by their community, and the themes they wish to explore. Examples of questions already raised by participants include:
– What has Hope Mill produced since it was built – from its early days as a maker of cotton, to the creative ‘makers’ who live here today?
– What was life like for the children who worked and lived around the mill? (Young people from our theatre school are curious, given their experience of Hope Mill)
– What has life been like as a queer person during these years? Their theatre serves a large LGBTQIA+ community, young and older.
The researcher will start by collecting and collating research materials in response to a small number of themes, prioritised in the early weeks of project activity. This will then be the starting point for community activities. Groups of diverse ages, backgrounds and interests will explore the material with you before devising a range of creative avenues for interpreting and sharing this with our wider audiences – through devised performances, short plays, readings, song recitals and more.
The researcher will be required to advise on/review elements of content for accuracy, with allowance made for the public-facing, accessible nature of much of this programme, which includes e.g. a Big Birthday family fun weekend, inspired by the types of entertainment and fun that Hope Mill families would have enjoyed in the past. You will also support the development and accuracy of heritage interpretation boards for display on site at Hope Mill and on our website.
Schedule – Project activity will run from 10 July 2024 to end March 2025 (8.5 months). The researcher will be required to work flexibly throughout this period and this will be negotiated with you on appointment, bearing in mind your other commitments.
Time commitment – 40 days over the project
Fees – £9,600 inclusive of VAT and expenses
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please submit an application of no more than 1000 words detailing your relevant experience and qualifications; one or more examples of past, comparable roles you have successfully completed and your interest in the project. Please provide details of two referees.
Please email this to outreach@hopemilltheatre.co.uk by 5pm on 2nd June. Please use “Researcher Application” as your email title.
This will be a Freelance contract. You will be responsible for paying your own Tax and NI contributions.
Applications close: 2nd June 2024
Interviews will be held on the week commencing 10th June 2024 at Hope Mill Theatre.