Flintspiration inspiration
In 2015 the Norwich Historic Churches Trust (NHCT) committed to:
Playing a major role in Norwich’s tourism offer by presenting the Trust’s portfolio of churches and their architectural, historical and cultural significance in a way which is accessible, exciting and relevant;
Developing the Trust’s infrastructure and resources to enable it to deliver an extended programme of public benefits.
Image by David Kirkham
This led to a successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant of £68,400 to devise and deliver what became Flintspiration, a long weekend of events for all ages celebrating Norwich's outstanding collection of medieval churches, their role in the city over the centuries and their importance as heritage assets, community and cultural venues and places of worship today. It took place on Saturday 29 April to Bank Holiday Monday 1 May 2017.
The project was incredibly ambitious for an organisation that had not taken on something of this scale before, which is largely run by trustees and volunteers. The project also grew in size and scope as it developed and partners came on board.
I worked on the marketing for the project and loved being involved in shaping this from the outset, including a new visual identity, photography and strategy, and being involved in a project celebrating my home city. I worked with Anne Reekie on the visual identity and main brochure artwork, Nina Brown on the website and additional graphic design work, and photography David Kirkham.
The resulting weekend and feedback was a testament to everyone's hard work and passion, and to the churches themselves.
The impact from the project can be clearly demonstrated and its legacy is tangible and wide-reaching, under five categories:
Profile
Partners
Product
Place
People.
It's great to see that the NHCT team, partners and volunteers have taken immediate actions to build on the momentum and success of the project.
For example, volunteers have been engaged to open up St Martin-at-Palace as a visitor centre, new events for Heritage Open Days have been programmed and the NHCT’s branding is being developed to incorporate the Flintspiration logo which became so visible and recognisable.
“I just wanted to say that this was, without doubt, the best public event I have been to in Norwich. It was a really friendly, thoughtful and useful way of getting to know the city and its history. I discovered things I never knew and went to parts of the city I had not been to before. Please do it again next year! I see the city in a new light. Many, many thanks.” Flintspiration visitor feedback by email