14 May 2024
Introduction
Gather with us on Saturday 29th of June 2024 at York Explore Libraries & Library Lawn, as we celebrate York stories at Our City Festival. Now in its third year, Our City Festival aims to encourage connection, celebration, learning and empowerment through story telling of the people of York.
The festival is dedicated to nurturing empathy and understanding by creating an environment where everyone feels empowered. Through creative performances, discussions, art and workshops, we aim to provide a platform for diverse communities in York to share their stories. Together we aim to make York more inclusive and welcoming for all.
Join us in celebrating York’s communities and the power of storytelling to bring us all together. Share your story, showcase your talents, or lend a hand in shaping our festival program. Below is more information about how you can get involved. Together, let’s make Our City Festival 2024 the best yet!
The deadline for expressing an interest is Friday 10th May at midday. Please note any expressions after this date may not be included in 2024's festival.
Festival Terms of Reference
The Festival is striving to achieve the following aims:
Be for all York residents
Reflect all York communities
Raise residents’ awareness and understanding of the many faces of York
Celebrate the idea of one community, many voices
Reach out to communities who may not feel welcome into the city centre
Allow open contributions to give a true reflection of people's experiences, with understanding and compassing that these are not always positive.
Integrate a fringe style approach with activities and events. Held in different locations
Establish story-telling as the common ground – ensure that communities / groups are listened to
Capture the imagination and ignite new ways of thinking
Build lasting empowered connections beyond the festival
How can I/we support the Festival?
There are various ways that you can get involved and support the festival. The below are some examples to start from. We are open to new ideas so please do get in touch to discuss your ideas in more detail.
Please complete the interest form to register your interest in contributing to the festival. There is a link to an interest form at the end of this document.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your involvement, please email: OurCityFestivalYork@gmail.com
Contribute to Our City Festival
The programme will look to hold open discussions and panels, alongside a broad range of content from music and arts to theatre and food.
If you're interested in contributing to the story of our programme, we’d love to hear from you. Some ideas we’re looking for include;
Hosting a talk
Music performance
Recipe sharing
Dance class
Craft sessions
Short film screening
Our programme will highlight your contributions under the following headings:
Our Stage: Situated in the Library Lawn area. This performance area will be to stage music, dance & theatre. There are up to 6 slots available.
Our Creations: Workshops engaging attendee in an activity based around storytelling and highlighting your organisation or groups aims alongside the festival ethos. There is capacity for up to 7 workshops between 15 and 30 minutes long.
Our City Sessions: Space for talks, safe spaces & meaningful conversations. There is capacity for up to 5 talks around 10 to 30 minutes long.
Our Community: Interactive, engaging community showcase. Showcasing our communities stories through interactive stands highlighting the communities you represent, the people you help. There will be up to 12 stalls.
Our Gallery: Exhibition space to explore York’s rich history and modern stories through engaging multimedia. With opportunities to learn, connect and contribute to York’s community narrative.
Provide sponsorship or resources for the festival
There are many other ways you can get involved and support the festival if you are not able to contribute to the programme of events.
Do you have access to equipment or funds to support the festival? Volunteers or friends who can help ahead of the day and on the day itself? Can you help distribute marketing materials?
Get in touch today if you would like to get involved with details of your skills and how you’d like to help.
Host your own event
Perhaps you would like to create your own event/activity separate to the festival.
Your event can be included in the programme and promoted alongside the Festival.
Here are some ideas of the events/activities you could hold:
A lecture or film screening
A performance or production
Craft sessions
An art project or exhibition
A community project
Storytelling
Displays
We encourage the aims of your event to continue to ensure all York residents feel empowered to be more open and understanding of all communities and cultures.
Please get in touch with us to discuss your event ideas.
Share information for marketing
In the lead up to the festival, we will be releasing the full programme and marketing materials. We ask that you share/interact on your social media, display posters & share programmes with your contacts & communities to help us spread the word about the Festival and its aims for the city.
What to do next
To get involved please complete the information questionnaire online.
Online form: https://forms.gle/NCEKwiCi59Xm3wky6
If you require an alternative format please email:
The deadline for expressing an interest is Friday 17th May at midday. Please note any expressions after this date may not be included in this year's festival.