Spotlight on Heritage with Juliet Martin
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The latest episode of Spotlight on Heritage brings a conversation between John Coster and Juliet Martin, exploring the role of heritage in shaping young people’s understanding of identity, place, and opportunity. The discussion moves beyond the conventional idea of heritage as something preserved in museums or old buildings and instead focuses on how personal and community histories are created through lived experiences.
Juliet reflects on her work at YMCA Leicestershire, where she has supported young people in developing a relationship with heritage that is meaningful to them. Through projects that introduce creative storytelling, cultural engagement, and museum experiences, she has witnessed how young people can discover connections between their own lives and the histories of the places around them.
Many of the young people she has worked with have had limited access to cultural institutions, often perceiving them as spaces that are distant or irrelevant to their everyday lives. By creating opportunities for direct involvement—whether through creative workshops, youth-led heritage projects, or placements within museums—these initiatives help shift those perceptions and open up new pathways for learning and employment.
A key theme in the discussion is how museums and heritage organisations can become more accessible and responsive to young people from diverse backgrounds, particularly those who have faced personal challenges such as homelessness or trauma. Juliet highlights the importance of trauma-informed training for museum staff, ensuring that public spaces feel welcoming rather than intimidating.
Through projects such as heritage ‘mystery shopper’ visits, young people have been able to provide valuable feedback on how museums could improve their approach to inclusivity. Rather than focusing solely on collections and exhibitions, these initiatives encourage institutions to consider the full visitor experience—from the way staff engage with young people to the accessibility of museum spaces.
The conversation also touches on Juliet’s past involvement with Luga Baruga, a literature festival in Loughborough that celebrated storytelling and creativity. Reflecting on its impact years later, she notes how cultural events become part of people’s personal heritage, shaping their sense of place and identity. A child who attended an event as a young reader may now, years later, recall that experience as a defining moment in their creative journey. This idea of heritage as something that lives on through memory and shared experiences underpins much of the discussion.
The episode also considers the Museum of Homelessness, an organisation that challenges traditional narratives by presenting deeply personal stories through artefacts and lived experiences. Juliet shares how engaging with the museum changed her perspective, reinforcing the idea that heritage is not about grand historical narratives but about the everyday struggles, resilience, and humanity of individuals.
Throughout the discussion, there is a strong focus on heritage as a tool for empowerment, particularly for young adults who may not see themselves reflected in traditional cultural spaces. By working with museums to break down barriers, and by supporting young people to engage with their own histories and creative expressions, the conversation highlights the role of heritage in helping individuals develop confidence, a sense of belonging, and new opportunities for their future.
