Community news
We’re inviting local residents to lead talks to share their stories and the history of the Royal Docks
Successful applicants will receive up to £250 to share their personal stories and the history of the Royal Docks, using our detailed 3D model of the area. This opportunity is part of Royal Docks Originals — a free arts festival, running from 15 September to 4 October.
We’d love to hear from locals (residents, workers, creatives) who would like to give a 15-30 minute talk that provides a fresh and unique perspective of the past, present and/ or future of the Royal Docks, to engage different audiences.
We’d love to hear from local residents, people who work in the area, creatives, local historians, and anyone with a strong connection to the Royal Docks.
Factual and fictional storytelling and musical responses also welcome, as well as talks from or for young people. The talk can focus on one story or theme to bring the model of the Royal Docks to life.
The theme for the Royal Docks Originals festival is ‘A celebration of transformation and journeys’. In keeping with this we welcome talks about one or more of the following themes:
- History, Heritage & Migration
- A Young Person or Resident’s View on the Area
- People & Communities
- Development or Change in the Royal Docks
- Community Spaces & Venues
- Creative & Cultural Stories
- Music & Entertainment
- Sustainability, Biodiversity and Nature
Visit our Stories and Heritage Archive where you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your talk.
Apply
You can apply for up to £250 to cover your time, including any additional resources used to enhance your story.
Stage 1
Applicants are invited to submit a 3 - 5 minute video pitching a talk they would like to give as part of the Model Talk Series by Thursday, 28 August. As part of the video, you are invited to give a sample of a talk or explain your approach.
Prepare your 3-5 minute video pitch and email royaldocks@london.gov.uk with the subject ’Model Talk Series Application’ for instructions on how to send the video.
Stage 2
If your submission is shortlisted we’ll invite you to submit a full script of the talk (written or video/ audio recording) by 14 September. If your submission is not shortlisted you’ll receive £50 in recognition of your time.
Stage 3
If you are successful, you will be invited for a rehearsal around the model on the week beginning 22 September.
The Royal Docks Model Talk Series will take place 2- 4 October so you’ll need to be available on at least one of those days.
Participants may also record their talk for use in the future.
Background
The Royal Docks Model is a 1:1000 scale 3D-printed model of the area, providing a view of the exciting developments taking place across over the next 10 years. The Model Talk Series will form part of the exciting Royal Docks Originals Festival and will take place at the newly housed Compressor House – an exciting new events and community space.
The Compressor Housewarming is a special programme curated for Royal Docks Originals to introduce the building to local communities. Alongside arts and culture, the Model Talk Series will provide an opportunity to tell stories around Royal Docks Model, exploring past, present and future.
Resources available
Access to the 3D Model of the Royal Docks on display
TV Monitor for showing digital visuals
Access to the Royal Docks Stories & Heritage Archive
Guidance
- Planning: Define your talk themes and why you would like to share your story
- Suggested format:
- Introduce yourself and your connection to the Royal Docks
- Introduce the talk – what is it about?
- Provide an overview of the Royal Docks
- Take the audience on a journey through the Royal Docks from your chosen perspective. You are encouraged to make your talk interactive.
- Provide an interesting conclusion
