Touchstones Rochdale launches podcast series

In partnership with podcast production company, Audio Always, The Touchstones Tapes explore the world of art and culture and introduce some of the most community-engaged artists in the UK

Touchstones Rochdale, the arts and heritage centre in Rochdale town centre, has teamed up with Audio Always to launch a brand-new podcast series, The Touchstones Tapes.

The project comes as part of the Manchester Amplified scheme, established to mark Audio Always’ 10th anniversary, and designed to celebrate the rich artistic and cultural sphere in Greater Manchester.

Throughout the twelve episodes, The Touchstones Tapes will introduce some of the leading UK artists and creators who use their work to raise awareness and make a positive change in a public space.

From multi-media artist, Liz Collins, talking about gender, inclusivity, and cultural stereotypes, to David Allan, the CEO of Skylight Circus, explaining the importance of cultural education for young people, the podcast provides an open platform to discuss the connection between art and ongoing social issues.

The first episode landed on Spotify on Friday 1 September, with further episodes planned to be released monthly.

Bryan Beresford, one of the hosts of The Touchstones Tapes and Community and Inclusion Manager at Touchstones Rochdale, said: “A podcast series is a brand-new format for Touchstones Rochdale, opening a new door for us to reach our audience and share our stories with them.

“Each episode of The Touchstones Tapes is different, offering unique insights into the lives and work of people shaping the future of art, culture, and society. However, they all share the same key messages – create more inclusive environment, promote a sense of unity, and inspire a positive change through art.

As Touchstones has temporarily closed its doors for a major redevelopment project, the podcast also serves as a virtual getaway to the local community, allowing listeners to stay engaged with Rochdale’s cultural offerings.
 

Read more: Planning submitted to redevelop TouchstonesPublished: 23 August 2023

Mark Doyle, Director of Arts, Culture and Wellbeing at Touchstones, said: “While the space of Touchstones Rochdale has temporarily closed its doors to the public, it’s important for us to keep in touch with our visitors and offer them alternative ways to interact with Rochdale's art and cultural heritage.

“Here at Touchstones, we appreciate the value of art and culture and the positive impact it can have on people’s wellbeing. Through the new podcast, we will reveal some fascinating stories behind the creative projects in Rochdale and introduce them in a bigger frame of today’s modern world.

“We’re proud to be part of such a brilliant initiative, and we hope our stories will inspire even more creatives to come forward and help us build a warm, welcoming environment for our communities.”

The Touchstone Tapes podcast can be streamed via Spotify or via YouTube, with further information available on the podcast and Your Trust available via the website www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/the-touchstones-tapes/.