John Coster and I have collaborated on various community media projects since 2012, working to develop platforms that support local voices and encourage inclusive discussions. Our shared experience in community-focused media production has been rekindled with the creation of Soar Sound’s Spotlight on Heritage and Spotlight on Arts, programmes that reflect their commitment to fostering meaningful cultural conversations in Leicester.
Both programmes provide an opportunity to create and develop regular broadcasts that contribute to a wider social network of people engaged in heritage and the arts. For John and I, these programmes represent more than just a broadcasting initiative; they serve as a means of valuing and strengthening relationships within the local creative and historical communities. By engaging in open and reflective conversations with guests, we aim to record programmes and share podcasts where diverse perspectives can be shared, and where cultural and artistic expression is both celebrated and critically examined.
Purpose of the Programmes: The Spotlight on Heritage and Spotlight on Arts programmes, broadcast on Soar Sound, provide an opportunity to examine and celebrate the diverse cultural heritage and artistic expression found across Leicester. Through interviews, discussions, and storytelling, these programmes seek to explore the historical and creative narratives that shape the city and its communities. By giving a platform to local artists, historians, and cultural practitioners, the programmes ensure that a broad range of voices and experiences contribute to public conversations about heritage and the arts.
By examining significant sites, traditions, and artistic movements, the programmes aim to deepen public understanding of Leicester’s cultural history and evolving creative landscape. They foster a sense of connection between individuals and the places they inhabit, highlighting how heritage and the arts influence identity and social cohesion. In doing so, Spotlight on Heritage and Spotlight on Arts also provide a means of supporting and promoting grassroots cultural initiatives, offering a space where underrepresented perspectives can be brought to wider attention.
Through engaging discussions and thoughtfully produced content, these programmes encourage reflection on how cultural heritage and artistic practice continue to shape Leicester’s contemporary life. They serve as an invitation for audiences to consider their roles in sustaining and contributing to the city’s cultural narrative, while also providing an accessible means of encountering new ideas, histories, and creative works.
Benefit for Listeners in the Greater Leicester Area: The Spotlight on Heritage and Spotlight on Arts programmes offer a unique opportunity for listeners to develop a greater awareness of Leicester’s cultural and artistic identity. By showcasing a diverse range of voices, ideas, and creative expressions, the programmes foster a sense of local pride and connection, helping audiences appreciate the depth of the city’s heritage and artistic contributions.
Listeners gain insights into historical narratives that may not be widely known, uncovering how different communities have shaped and continue to influence Leicester’s cultural landscape. These programmes also introduce audiences to contemporary artistic and heritage-based projects, offering an accessible way to engage with the city’s creative ecosystem. By presenting discussions in an approachable and conversational format, the programmes enable listeners to connect with local culture in a way that is both informative and engaging.
Through the stories and perspectives shared, these programmes encourage active participation in Leicester’s cultural life. Whether by attending local exhibitions, visiting heritage sites, or supporting emerging artists, listeners are given the tools to explore and contribute to the creative vibrancy of their community. The programmes also act as a bridge between different generations and communities, fostering dialogue and understanding through a shared appreciation of arts and heritage.
Approach to Discussions and Guest Conversations: The conversations and interviews featured in Spotlight on Heritage and Spotlight on Arts are designed to provide meaningful insights into Leicester’s cultural life. Rather than focusing solely on promotional content, the programmes aim to create space for thoughtful dialogue that delves into the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of those involved in the city’s heritage and arts sectors.
Each discussion is carefully structured to allow guests to share their personal journeys, discuss the significance of their work, and reflect on the broader cultural landscape in which they operate.
A thematic approach is central to shaping the conversations, with each episode exploring a specific aspect of heritage or artistic practice. Themes may range from the preservation of historic sites and evolving traditions to innovative artistic collaborations and emerging creative movements. By providing a narrative structure to these discussions, the programmes offer listeners a coherent and engaging experience, helping them to better understand the significance of cultural developments in Leicester.
Diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of the guest selection process, ensuring that a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented. Efforts are made to highlight the work of underrepresented artists, cultural practitioners, and heritage advocates, creating opportunities for new and emerging voices to be heard alongside more established figures. By fostering this balance, the programmes contribute to a richer and more nuanced conversation about Leicester’s cultural identity.
To deepen audience engagement, the programmes also incorporate interactive elements where possible. Listeners are encouraged to submit questions, share our experiences, and participate in discussions that extend beyond the broadcast. This approach not only strengthens the connection between the programmes and their audience but also reinforces the role of community dialogue in shaping Leicester’s cultural future. By prioritising thoughtful discussion and meaningful interaction, Spotlight on Heritage and Spotlight on Arts serve as platforms for exploration, learning, and connection within Leicester’s creative and heritage communities.