Empowering voices for radical cultural transformation
Dr Katy Pilcher
Imagine a community where everyone’s needs are heard and catered for, no matter how marginalised they may be – this is the bold vision that drives Dr Katy Pilcher’s research.
As a sociologist at Aston University, Katy is passionate about amplifying voices often out-of-reach of traditional forms of research. She asks the big questions about difficult social issues facing the people and places that would otherwise be invisible to decision-makers.
"Our project with Fun Palaces found new ways to help people take action to improve their lives and their local area. We’re now sharing these approaches with communities across the country."
Cultural activism with Fun Palaces
Driven by her commitment to social change, Katy’s work led her to a research collaboration with Fun Palaces, a nationwide initiative empowering local people to create cultural and community events.
With support from the Centre for Cultural Value’s Collaborate Fund, Katy partnered with Amie Taylor, Director of Fun Palaces, to explore how people can be more active in shaping their communities through creative cultural activities. The big question Katy and the team asked was: if communities make creative and cultural experiences for themselves, does this also empower them to use their voice as civic activists so their individual needs are heard?
Through interviews, storytelling workshops, and sensory-object elicitation, where participants spoke about an object representing their Fun Palaces experiences or their community activism, the research drew out rich stories of creative and civic engagement from across the Fun Palaces community. The project connected people of all ages and backgrounds, facilitating intergenerational learning and community building.
"Fun Palaces give everyone a voice, empowering people to see themselves as artists, scientists or creators in their community. Working with a diverse range of people, including the Fun Palaces team and research participants, has helped me think more creatively about my own research practice."
In-depth, inclusive research through storytelling
Katy’s research is designed to give people a voice, challenge assumptions, and counter stereotypes. This paves the way for more equitable and inclusive communities where no one is left behind.
Her journey into the social sciences was fuelled by a keen interest in storytelling. Initially hoping to become a journalist, Katy studied sociology as an undergraduate and was inspired to pursue an academic career. For Katy, research became a powerful route to highlight lived experiences with in-depth stories, and drive change by exploring new ways to transform society.
Katy weaves these values seamlessly into her research, developing partnerships with communities to connect with hard-to-reach groups to better understand their needs. During her PhD, Katy began researching power and inequality with a focus on gender and sexuality, in areas such as sex work and erotic dance, considered fringe topics at the time.
Her work with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust highlighted the essential healthcare needs of online sex workers. The project delivered recommendations to the city’s support workers, service commissioners, and police on improving health promotion and sexual health clinics for this group.
"When researching inequality, simply asking someone to tick a box ignores the richness of their life. Using storytelling and photography gives people a stronger voice and yields detailed insights we can use to challenge stereotypes and deliver change for marginalised communities."
Fostering grassroots action for community impact
Through the Fun Palaces partnership, Katy and her team uncovered the barriers and social inequalities that prevent people from taking part in creative activities and activism in their communities. These ranged from confidence, cost, and discrimination, to the availability and accessibility of community spaces.
The project continues to support people to find their activist voices through a co-created Activist Toolkit, available nationally. This guides communities on how to use their voice to act on the issues that matter most to them – whether it’s improving local services, addressing inequalities, or pushing for change at the grassroots level.
Katy has since secured funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for a travelling exhibition of the project’s findings, hosted by third-sector partners across the UK. The exhibition brings the ethos of civic activism to new audiences in creative and inclusive ways, inspiring more people to see themselves as change agents in their communities.
"Our research highlights the power people have to make a real difference to their community culture. With so many community spaces facing closure, preserving support for these grassroots initiatives is paramount."
Impact snapshot
"Our ongoing collaboration with Katy has been key in demonstrating the impact of Fun Palaces on communities. For us as an organisation it highlights the value of our work and just how vital it is."
Amie Taylor, Director of Fun Palaces
