Contact

The team

Esther Fox

I am the Head of the Accentuate Programme which provides opportunities for deaf and disabled people to participate and lead in the Cultural Sector. Over three years from 2016 we developed History of Place as part of our series of projects and worked with our national partners, The Museum of Liverpool, M Shed in Bristol and the V&A London to deliver a series of nationally significant exhibitions. As a disabled person myself, I’m passionate about uncovering this relatively hidden history. See the stories I’ve uncovered.

Email: esther.fox@accentuateuk.org

Katie-Ann Smith

I am Project Manager for History of Place, a freelance role I job share with Paul Homer. With a background in heritage, museums, education and engagement I’m hugely passionate about access and storytelling. I focus on the financial, engagement, marketing and resource development responsibilities of the project and also support across the team.
Email: katieann.smith@accentuateuk.org

Paul Homer

I am the Project Manager for History of Place, job-sharing with Katie Ann Smith. I have extensive experience in running heritage projects and cultural buildings, working mainly in film and visual arts. This includes running independent cinemas and organising a disability film festival. I’m passionate about bringing unknown stories to the public, whether through film, exhibitions or engagement projects. I have the pleasure of living by the sea.

Email: paul.homer@accentuateuk.org

Grace Swordy

Accentuate History of Place project coordinator based in Bristol. With a background in history and heritage exploration for arts projects, I have worked on interactive events, creative installations and delivered workshops for young people and community groups in Bristol, Devon, London, Barcelona and more. With a keen interest in exploring deaf and disabled people’s experiences through history and interpreting life in Bristol, I have enjoyed being on this important journey. See what I’ve discovered so far.

Kerry Massheder-Rigby

Project Coordinator based in Liverpool for History of Place, I have a background in Community Heritage, Historical Archaeology and Oral History. This includes supporting community members to excavate, record, research and find out more about their heritage. I love finding out why places are meaningful to people. Look at the journey I’ve been taking.

Charlotte Kingston

I’m the curator of the three exhibitions that will take place across the country in partnership with the MSHED in Bristol, the Museum of Liverpool and the V&A in London. I am working across all three exhibitions to develop and plan the interpretation, select objects and images and create compelling stories that will change minds and reveal new histories about deaf and disabled people and their relationship with the built environment.

Kate Smith

I am the project’s web editor. Now a freelance, I’ve previously worked for the British Council and Museum of London. For a decade, I have been interested in and worked on projects to uncover histories which have been hidden or overlooked. I’m also interested in cultural policy, environmentalism and cycling.

Email: editor@historyof.place