As an evaluator of heritage projects, Girmit gave the opportunity to look at how untold stories reveal difficult aspects of heritage. Girmit’s stories of poverty, exploitation, disruption of communities challenge =mainstream narratives of power, privilege, – and how some people made- and make – a great deal of money at the expense of others.
Girmit matters because it reframes and articulates the lived- experience of people who are marginalised –through brilliant use of digital technology so more people can hear that story.
It ties in with my work with major foundations focusing on systems change and addressing multiple disadvantage.
I focus on evaluation, organisational change, audience strategy. This currently includes: Birmingham Commonwealth Games Cultural Programme audience development strategy; Clore Leadership organisational development; NLHF projects for NT Runnymede and Sheffield Park; Digital Heritage Lab. I co-authored Open Up, on diversification of museum visitors; work with museums and galleries on heritage projects (Fulham Palace, Whitehall, Royal Museums Greenwich, National Museum of the Royal Navy) and historic landscapes (Victoria Park Portsmouth, Houghton Hall) I undertook NLHF Strategic Review 4 Grants Programme; input to Croydon London Borough of Culture 2023 winning bid, work with National Youth Theatre on organisational change to support disadvantaged young people.