Listen to the personal stories and reflections of Alex, Mel and Luke - three young people who are currently being treated for cancer or who recently completed cancer treatment - as they share their unique perspectives in this experimental podcast produced by Domes FM in collaboration with The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s Teenage and Young Adult Service.
In 2022, FACT began a new partnership with The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre led by our Learning team. This collaboration invites artists to work with young people and staff at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to create artworks that delve into contemporary issues and draw from lived experiences.
The initial outcome of this collaboration is a dynamic podcast created by three young participants – Alex, Mel, and Luke – along with artists from Domes FM, namely Tom Lye and Maeve Devine. Domes FM is a vibrant art and dance radio station housed at Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre in Prenton, Wirral. Through a series of workshops, Tom and Maeve introduced their artistic approach centred on facilitating rest, promoting active listening, and exploring innovative sound techniques. This allowed the participants to shed their preconceptions of what a podcast might be and to embrace the techniques found in experimental sound art.
The participants discovered that this fresh approach created a different kind of space, providing a unique platform for them to share their stories. As they experimented with DJing, Ableton, sound and field recording, and interview techniques, Alex, Mel and Luke steered conversations on their own terms and discussed topics that were important to them.
As you tune in, you'll encounter a fusion of distorted sounds from the ward interwoven with the voices of the young people. They capture candid conversations during routine procedures like blood pressure checks, reflect on experiences such as finding the right hair salon to shave your head, and recount poignant moments, including their involvement in outdoor charity events. The podcast concludes with an energetic segment showcasing their newfound DJ and audio skills with a catchy remixed bop about Crocs!
This podcast served as an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in artistic and creative practices while also sharing personal stories and exchanging experiences. It underscores the significance of storytelling in relation to wellbeing and provides a new space for Alex, Mel, and Luke to share their unique perspectives on their own terms.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Arts in Health programme offers a range of creative activities and performances for patients as well as a collection of artwork to enhance the environment of their centres. The Arts Programme has been made possible through kind donations to Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
Header image: The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre x Domes FM podcast listening event at FACT Liverpool (2024). Photography by Kieran Irvine.
