Recording and remixing history: Second World War soundscapes workshop

Our extensive collection of archival material from the Second World War demonstrates the global scale of conflict, with diverse legacies for communities around the world.    

Join us for a half-day workshop led by community-audio project Applied Stories and staff at The National Archives where participants will create sound collages based on our Second World War research and activities to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the war.  

Participants will explore a specially curated collection of records from The National Archives’ Global Second World War project that have been professionally recorded. Participants will then take part in an audio-zine workshop led by audio professionals, working with tablets and other audio equipment themselves. By adopting a new methodological practice, participants will be encouraged to ‘mashup’ a sound collage that captures their own unique response to the global nature of the Second World War and share it as part of the workshop.  

PROGRAMME (subject to change) 

11:00-11:15 – Introductions and warm-up 

11:15-11:35 – Listening activity and introduction to Soundboard Studio 

11:35-11:45 – Group task using War Variations (our ongoing audio drama concept album project), building up sound world 

11:45-12:00 – Individual listening followed by group discussion 

12:00-13:00 – Main task: Assembling you own short audio track using text, sound effects and music 

13:00-13:30 – Reconvening to listen and share with groups 

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Image: ‘Broadcasting news to African troops’ from the booklet East Africans at War, INF 2/10.

HOW TO APPLY

Please note registering for this event enters you into the application process only. You need to be 18 years or over to apply. You will receive a ticket confirmation via Eventbrite, but this does not guarantee your place in the workshop. Successful applicants will be selected and contacted by Friday 10 October separately.

This workshop is open to all. No formal audio or archive background or experience is required.

The deadline for applications is Monday 6 October at 9:00am.

To apply for this workshop please click 'Register your interest’ and input the relevant information.

You will then be asked to answer the following question:

Please can you tell us why you are interested in taking part in the Recording and Remixing History workshop with Applied Stories and staff at The National Archives? We are particularly keen to hear from those who may be able to apply these practices in their own work. (max 300 words)

If you would like time to think about your answer, we suggest that you save the link, take your time to consider your answer and then return to register when you are ready.

If you have any questions about the workshop or the application process, please contact us at research@nationalarchives.gov.uk.