A Shared Vision Emerges
In the city of Bath, where creativity and history converge, a shared vision took shape. A group of dedicated individuals, united by their passion for storytelling, formed The Story Society – a community driven by the mission to connect diverse voices and bridge the stories that both unite and divide us. Led by Professor Bambo Soyinka, the goal was clear: to foster understanding between communities by sharing and celebrating the richness of their narratives.
From this gathering of creative minds, StoryArcs emerged. What began as a seed of an idea – nurtured by the belief that beneath every story lies a deeper set of skills – grew into something far greater. With initial support from the AHRC, StoryArcs became a network of artists, writers, and creative thinkers, committed to giving voice to stories often left unheard and offering a platform for authentic expression.
A Network For Change
At the heart of StoryArcs is the understanding that storytelling is a powerful tool for transformation. By focusing on both cultural heritage and contemporary issues, we envision a future where storytelling serves as a bridge – connecting people, fostering collaboration, and creating a more inclusive world.
In 2022, StoryArcs launched its first major initiative: the StoryArcs Pilot Programme. We collaborated with projects across the UK, from historic castles that hold centuries of memories to experimental libraries where unwritten stories await discovery. Eleven emerging storytellers – early-career researchers known as Story Fellows – embarked on these journeys, blending past experiences with fresh insights to explore how storytelling can inspire social change.
Through immersive storytelling workshops, mentorship, and community engagement, these Fellows helped to build the foundation of the Deep Story Leadership Platform, a transformative space where storytellers become catalysts for positive change. By bringing voices together, these efforts fostered understanding and sparked connections across communities.
A Symbol for Storytelling
Central to this mission is the StoryArcs emblem – a symbol of storytelling’s dynamic power. Ideas flow through our network, drawing in artists, writers, and visionaries eager to create meaningful change. This collaborative ecosystem thrives on the belief that shared stories open dialogue and create new opportunities for connection.
The Pilot Programme was a milestone in our journey, but it was only the beginning.
We Invite You to Join Us
In October 2024, StoryArcs will launch its Full Programme, building on the foundation laid by the Pilot. Nine new Story Fellows will lead projects focused on social impact, health, creative collaboration, and community identity. Through dedicated mentorship and professional development, these storytellers will use narrative as a tool to tackle pressing societal challenges, crafting stories that resonate and inspire change.
As StoryArcs continues to evolve, we invite you to join us. Whether you want to discover new projects, collaborate on ideas, or follow the stories as they develop, we welcome you on this journey. Storytelling remains our bridge to a more connected and inclusive future – and together, we can light the way forward.
Experience Our Story Through a Different Lens
If you wish to explore the deeper themes and poetic nuances of our journey, you may find it enriching to read the allegorical version of Our Story. Here, the essence of The Story Society and StoryArcs unfolds in a dreamlike narrative, inviting you to connect with the heart of our mission in a more imaginative way.
