How do we recognise the creative work that never gets written down or formally valued? This week’s Spotlight on Art asks what “intangible labour” means for culture, identity and everyday expression. What forms of creativity do we overlook, and why?

What helps artists sustain their practice when they work outside traditional routes into the art world? This week’s Spotlight on Arts podcast asks how place, confidence, and lived experience shape creative work. What stands out to you from stories like these?

How can local heritage events help us reconnect with each other and with the stories that shape our city? John Coster and Rob Watson reflect on the Leicester Heritage Fair and what it tells us about community, trust, and the future of local media

How does creativity keep local history alive? The latest reports from the Saturday Heritage Fair shares stories of Leicester’s living heritage — from music and re-enactment to poetry, architecture, and community radio — showing how the past continues to inspire the present.

How does Leicester’s past shape the city we share today? The latest Soar Sound Radio podcast from the Saturday Heritage Fair features voices from across Leicester’s cultural, civic, and creative life, exploring how stories, archives, and art keep our shared heritage alive

How do we keep Leicester’s stories alive? The Saturday Heritage Fair brought together collectors, storytellers, and re-enactors exploring how shared memories shape who we are today. Listen to the Soar Sound Radio podcast to hear voices from across the city’s living heritage.

How do we turn everyday memories into part of our shared heritage? In this week’s Spotlight on Heritage, Tina Barton talks with John Coster and Rob Watson about scrapbooking as a creative way to preserve personal stories. Listen now on Soar Sound Radio.

Heritage Fair next Saturday (11th). We will be there, if local, why not pop along !

Final measure up in Hansom Hall .... our 9th FREE heritage event since 2015 hosted at the Leicester Adult Education Centre takes place this weekend on 11th October 10am-3pm .... join us at the Saturday Heritage Fair doc-media-centre.org/2025/09/07/s...

Radio Lear is now live on the Leicester and Loughborough multiplexes, sharing AI-generated and artist-made soundscapes. How might artists reimagine radio as a space for creative transformation? Follow and support through Decentered Media’s Patreon to get involved.

The new Challenges and Opportunities for UK Local Media report calls for joined-up policy and innovation. But does it go far enough on social cohesion, extractive media models, and Foundational Economy renewal? How can we create hybrid, socially rooted systems of communication?

In Leicester on DAB, and online...

What makes a city’s creative economy thrive? In this Spotlight on Business episode, James Burkmar of LCB Depot shares how networks, events and new spaces like Canopy help Leicester’s creative scene grow. How do you see creativity shaping local economies?

How do we keep the stories of grassroots sport alive? In this Spotlight on Heritage episode, John Coster and Rob Watson discuss National Sporting Heritage Day, asking how local clubs, coaches and volunteers can preserve memories and create lasting legacies. What do you think?

How do unpaid carers in Leicester find support for their own well-being? In this week’s Spotlight, we hear from Age UK’s Carers Support Service about activities, advice and recognition for those who care for others. What more could be done?

How can communities strengthen themselves without relying on handouts? In Loughborough’s Bell Foundry, residents are turning to gardening, upcycling and creativity to build resilience and pride. What can we learn from their approach to empowerment and self-sufficiency?

What draws people to live classical music in Leicester? Nicholas Daniel, Creative Director of the Leicester International Music Festival, shares why this year’s programme matters and why music must be for everyone. Will you be at Hansom Hall in September?

What makes independent heritage different from official narratives? In this week’s Spotlight on Heritage podcast, John Coster and Rob Watson discuss the Saturday Heritage Fair in Leicester and why family stories, lived experience, and shared memories matter. Will you be bringing yours?

How can festivals like Leicester Communities Together help people find support, meet local services and share ideas? Reporting for Soar Sound, Helen Pettman spoke with groups in Jubilee Square about advice, creativity and community. What makes these events valuable in your view?

How can festivals like Leicester Communities Together help communities share knowledge, celebrate diversity and build resilience? John Coster hosted lively Spotlight on Leicester discussions with groups and volunteers in Jubilee Square. What role do you think these events play?

How can meeting services face to face at the Leicester Communities Together Festival change how residents find support and build connections? Listen to Spotlight on Leicester to hear council, community and voluntary voices share their perspectives.

How does art help us shift perspective and make sense of difficult experiences? In this episode of Spotlight on Arts, John Coster and Rob Watson talk with Miffy Ryan about live art, collaboration, and creating spaces for shared creativity.

Two community events are coming up where Soar Sound volunteers can report, interview and share stories live on air. How can community radio give voice to Leicester’s people at events like the Info & Advice Festival and the Heritage Fair?

Joining John Coster on Tuesday this week is Miffy Ryan. Explore Miffy's approach to live art, and what inspires her to be creative. You can hear Spotlight on Arts every Tuesday from 1pm.

Another day, another Spotlight on Art programme recording for @soursound.uk with @DocMediaCentre 😎

How can community media bring people together in a city as diverse as Leicester? This episode of Spotlight on Arts hears from Utsav Radio, Satsang Radio, the Evington Echo and more at the Soar Sound Roadshow. What role should local voices play in shaping our future?

What makes community media thrive? Passion is essential, but sustainability needs more hands. How could your skills support local projects like Evington Echo, UTSAV, Satsang and Soar Sound Radio? What would you gain by sharing your expertise?

What makes a photography exhibition more than a display of images? In our latest Spotlight on Arts podcast, we explore creativity, collaboration, and the social role of photography through DocPhoto 8. How do shared spaces shape artistic journeys?

Radiocentre says radio delivers public value—but who gets to define this public purpose? Should claims rely on audience size or meet established Social Value tests? How do we ensure accountability when public money or commercial privilege is involved?

As IP radio overtakes AM/FM, are we ready for a world where audio isn’t bound by spectrum? What does this shift mean for public interest media, sustainability, and local voices? We explore the new era of radio—and why policy needs to catch up. #CommunityMedia #IPRadio

Who Will Help? Challenging the Narrative Around Personal Items in Heritage Spaces doc-media-centre.org/2025/08/10/w...

How can artists balance making a living with staying true to their creative passions? In this Spotlight on Arts episode, Samantha Peberdy shares her journey from school commissions to public art and community projects. What helps creativity thrive?

What makes a photography exhibition more than a display of images? In our latest Spotlight on Arts podcast, we explore creativity, collaboration, and the social role of photography through DocPhoto 8. How do shared spaces shape artistic journeys?

How can community media bring people together in a city as diverse as Leicester? This episode of Spotlight on Arts hears from Utsav Radio, Satsang Radio, the Evington Echo and more at the Soar Sound Roadshow. What role should local voices play in shaping our future?

What happens when art meets code—and history risks being forgotten? In our latest Spotlight on Arts, Sean Clark shares how Leicester’s digital pioneers shaped a global story. Whose creative legacy are we overlooking?

What do family photographs tell us about migration, identity, and the lives of previous generations? In this Spotlight on Heritage podcast, Bashir shares his personal archive and stories behind the images. How do you keep your family history alive?

Join us for a Family Picnic at Jubilee Square, Leicester on Sunday 3rd August, 11am–4pm! Enjoy live music, singing, dancing, and interactive fun for all ages. Bring a picnic (no BBQs) and make it a day to remember. See you there!

Spotlight on Arts - Celebrating Creative Journeys at DocPhoto 8. What does it mean to see your work on the wall for the first time? In this week’s Spotlight on Arts, we visit DocPhoto 8 to hear how photography is inspiring connection, courage and creativity across generations.

What does it mean to turn a personal collection into a living museum? In our latest Spotlight on Heritage episode, Paul Vernon shares how everyday objects can tell extraordinary stories. What’s in your heritage box?

What does it really take to bring a local theatre production to life—and who gets left out when transport and time are barriers to access? This week’s Spotlight on Arts asks what culture is for, and who it's really reaching.

What do we lose when we throw away the everyday things that connect us to the past? In this week’s Spotlight on Heritage, we hear how Alma’s letters, sketches and keepsakes are helping to tell Leicester’s story—one memory at a time.

How can movement, creativity and connection help men talk about their mental health? On Spotlight on Arts, Reiss Loftus shares how The Brotherhood Legion is opening up space for support, expression and change.

What does it take to turn a love of local stories into a heritage career? This week on Spotlight on Heritage, Sean Dudley shares how he’s blending freelance work with community history in Leicester and beyond.

How can community radio help people speak with power, not just be spoken about? In this Spotlight episode, Dr Priti from Radio Nagar shares how local voices, shared languages, and trusted relationships are changing lives in India—and could elsewhere too.

How can communities stay connected across borders and generations? In this Spotlight episode, Snehalaya shows how open, people-first media like community radio can build trust, amplify local voices, and inspire global solidarity. Could this model work where you are?

What does it take to rediscover your creative spark? In this episode of Spotlight on Arts, Rebecca Carter shares her journey from bars to classrooms to adult education. Can a pottery class change your life? Listen now on Soar Sound.

Whose stories get remembered—and whose are forgotten? On Spotlight on Heritage, Sue Lester joins us to explore family history, the Korean War, and why overlooked memories still matter. What stories are waiting to be rediscovered in your family? Listen now on Soar Sound.

Can gaming be a form of art, education, and community-building? In this Spotlight on Arts episode, Jason Boomer shares how games shape learning, creativity, and digital culture in Leicester and beyond. Listen now on Soar Sound.

How do medals, maps and census records help us understand Leicester's past? In this week's Spotlight on Heritage, Nick Laband shares how he maps the lives of local people during WWI using digital tools and family stories. Listen now on Soar Sound.

Soar Sound is contagious 😎