Our Story Case Study

Helix Arts launched an exciting project named “Our Story,” this two-year initiative, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), aims to make our community and co-curated archive accessible online for the first time. The project will feature digital outputs such as online access to our archive materials, including oral histories, as well as displays and exhibitions across the North East.

Due to its long history, Helix Arts has a significant back catalogue of collaborative and co-produced projects. In the context of ‘levelling up’ these historic projects could have an important role to play in informing current and future practice. As yet, however, the archive has not been explored in a way that connects the methodological heritage of the organisation’s past with its future commissioning and curatorial practice, and project development and realisation.

Our volunteers will help us explore the history of the Helix Arts programme, examining how its core values and approaches can shape its future work.

In July 2024, Max received a professional development plan to help him reach his full potential as a volunteer before starting his postgraduate course in September 2024.

From July to September, Max participated in various sessions with the Archive Lead while supporting the audit

• Handling
• Auditing and photographing procedures
• Conditions and storage
• Object Entry and accessioning 
• Marking and labelling 
• Born digital/ copyright 
• Condition checking 
• Preventive conservation/ hazards
• Research/ blog/ exhibition content/writing 

For two weeks, Max focused on creating content for the blog page, with a particular interest in the Living Proof collection. His blog will be published in the coming months alongside the launch of the Our Story webpage on the Helix Arts website.

Throughout the Our Story project, Max developed confidence in handling archival materials. He became proficient in inventorying and photographing works. He also gained experience in assisting other volunteers, often shadowing them until they could work independently. Max maintained a positive attitude while working with other volunteers, finding humour and staying proactive even during more monotonous tasks.

To give thanks to Max for his support on both Re:Visits and Our Story the staff and volunteers shared a card and cake on his final day. The Deputy Director, Stephen Pritchard gave thanks and the wider team shared a few words about Max’s successes. The group collectively wished him well on his new journey. 

Max is hopeful that he might return to support the project in between studies and is keen to work together in the future.