Shape My City session 8: Getting behind the scenes

The November Shape My City session saw the group get out on another fascinating site visit, this time to explore the the new heritage elements of the recently redesigned Bristol Old Vic Theatre, along with the young artists from Rising Arts Agency.

The group (none of whom had previously visited the Bristol Old Vic) were really impressed with the look and feel of the new bar / restaurant foyer area on arrival and all agreed it was a really welcoming and relaxing space, with a balance of old and new design, which they would definitely come back and spend time in again in the future.

The visit was timed to coincide with the opening weekend of the new heritage experience (9-11 Nov) and the young people we met by Heritage Engagement Manager Liam Wiseman, who along with his colleague Amy gave some background to the project.

The heritage building highlights which the group got to experience included:

Noises Off - 250 Years of Sound Technology in the Theatre: visitors interested in the secrets of sound design in theatre are in for a treat! A gallery corridor in the theatre has been transformed to tell the story of sound at Bristol Old Vic 

A Window to the Past: An augmented reality app which is found in the brand new foyer space. Visitors can to watch the world transform around them using AR app created by Limbic Cinema and Zubr VR and step back in time into one of four time periods: the 1760s, 1860s, 1910s and the 1970s and view in full 360 degrees how the theatre foyer looked in those time periods. 

Three building murals by local artists:

Trials and Triumphs: a timeline illustrated by sign-painter and illustrator Hana Sunny Whaler showcases 250 years of Bristol Old Vic history

King Street: From Marsh to Metropolis: a timeline of King Street in a street art style by local artist Bex Glover, and chosen in conjunction with Upfest graffiti festival that tells the story of King Street as place of depravity to a place of celebration

An Audience With the Past: by Emily Ketteringham the biggest artistic installation in the entire building, celebrating characters, playbills and posters from the theatre's long history.

After making our way through the back offices (full of fascinating models and props) the group gathered in one of the studio spaces to hear about Liam's background and career. After studying English and History Liam did an MA in Heritage Management at Bath University before getting a job working on the development of Exeter Cathedral (using a lego model as a unique way of fundraising for building work on the heritage building). He then went on to work as Heritage Officer at Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage site, before getting his current job leading the heritage engagement programme at the Bristol Old Vic.

The visit enabled the Shape My City young group to experience a successful redesign of a popular heritage building thinking both about architecture, exhibition design and audience engagement, areas which they hadn't previously considered in relation to potential career paths.

Photo credit: Chelsey Cliff 

Useful links (heritage careers):
Go Construct - construction careers guidance on the the role of heritage consultants 

Creative and Cultural Skills (heritage) - website with guidance and opportunities, including apprenticeship opportunities, for anyone interested in working in a creative role 

Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) - national organisation that exists to safeguard the future of old buildings across the country. Offers education courses and information on their website

Historic England - National government body for national heritage. Offer education programmes and jobs, including apprenticeship opportunities

Cardiff University Careers - advice about heritage, archaeology and museums careers

Edinburgh University - MA course in Architectural Conservation.