Who we are

Local Voices

Local Voices works with a range of different social groups in communities across the country to collectively explore, document and promote aspects of local language, dialect, song, story, music and memory, with a focus on revitalising those elements of local heritage and culture which are at risk of being lost or which are currently under-acknowledged. We also provide or facilitate access to resources, expertise, training and mentoring for local communities to gain confidence in exploring their own memories and traditional culture on an ongoing basis. Our projects aim to encourage interaction between older and younger generations to promote shared community identity, a sense of place, and an awareness of the value of the local in the globalised age.

Chris Wright and Steve Byrne

Founded in early 2013

The company was founded in early 2013 by university-trained ethnologists and folklorists Chris Wright and Steve Byrne, who between them have a wealth of experience in ethnography, oral history and folklore fieldwork, as well as related aspects of local and national cultural policy involving traditional arts and culture. They have worked on both large-scale heritage projects involving digital archives of national importance, as well as small locally-focused projects.

At the heart of our work is the belief that the every voice deserves to be heard, and that individuals and communities are strengthened and empowered by sharing their life stories, participating in their traditions and learning about their local culture. In the age of globalised mass media, we are committed to enabling communities to find their own voice and heritage and be able to share it confidently with the rest of the world.

What we do

Local Voices

Local Voices works with a range of different social groups in communities across the country to collectively explore, document and promote aspects of local language, dialect, song, story, music and memory, with a focus on revitalising those elements of local heritage and culture which are at risk of being lost or which are currently under-acknowledged.

Contact Local Voices

If you have any questions please contact us.