In 2023, six fantastic early-career creatives took part in a paid development programme and brought a fresh perspective to the heritage of Moseley Road Bath’s with a brand-new digital experience
The final outcome of the project was an innovative podcast called Bathcasts. In each episode, comedian Rachel Baker interviews someone connected to Moseley Road Baths while they take a bath in one of our Edwardian Slipper Bath cubicles. The six-part series also features specially commissioned poetry, spoken word, music and guided meditations. After launching in November with a special night featuring live performances and a bath-shaped cake, the podcast is now available to listen to on Spotify.
As the project came to an end, we caught up with each of our Young Curators about their experience working on this unique collaboration and how it has impacted their plans for the future. Next up, Speech and Language Therapy student Malikah Khan…
Hi Malikah! Let’s start with a round of fun, quick-fire questions.
Would you rather have a shower, take a bath or go for a swim?
A bath. Even after working at Moseley Road Baths, I’m not much of a swimmer.
Bubbles, a rubber duck or both?
Lots of bubbles.
Hot water, cold water or somewhere in between?
Hot. I won’t be taking an ice bath, especially in this weather.
A podcast, music or an audiobook?
After a busy day, I’d rather just have peaceful silence. I might read a book in the bath or just relax with no noise bothering me.
A samosa, chips or a slice of cake?
Samosa!
Moving on to some bigger questions, who is an you have admired recently?
All of the poets and musicians who feature on Bathcasts are so good! They did such an amazing job when they performed at the launch event. The way poets and spoken word artists perform is so interesting to me; their manner and the way they carry their words is so engaging.
Where is your favourite place in Birmingham?
Canon Hill Park, especially in the Winter when the leaves have fallen off and you can see the frost on the trees. That is really beautiful.
How did you find out about the Young Curators? And what interested you about the opportunity?
I used to work at community events at Moseley Road Baths. I got to know one of the staff, Emily Butler, who told me about the Young Curators opportunity when it came up and encouraged me to apply. I wasn’t sure exactly what it would involve but I trusted Emily so I went for it and I’m so happy I did!
What was the most impactful lesson you learnt during the project?
I used to be a very structured person. I needed to know exactly what the final outcome of a project was going to be before I got involved. The Young Curators changed that. When we started, we had no idea what we were going to make. We just knew we were going to work it out together as a team. This has taught me to be much more flexible and adaptable which is definitely something I will take with me to future roles.
What are you most proud of from your time as Young Curator?
What was great about the project was how everyone’s voice was heard along the way. In the beginning, we all had so many different ideas, especially about how we could launch the podcast. Sometimes in a team, certain voices can go unheard but that didn’t happen here. We all listened to each other’s opinions and stood up for our own ideas.
This experience has given me more confidence to speak up. You should always share your idea, no matter how silly. One of my favourite things about Moseley Road Baths is they make silly ideas possible.
Can you tell us about some more golden moments from the project?
We went on a trip to Manchester to learn about different cultures which was so fun! There is often a lack of diversity shown in museums and our visit to Manchester was the first time I saw Pakistani culture represented in a museum. I loved the fact that I could finally see my own culture. We went to a museum about disabilities too which was an enriching experience because, again, it was all information which had come directly from people within that community.
Throughout the project, we all managed our own individual workshops so it was about individual development as well as teamwork. I had never even heard of 3D printing before the project but, after managing a workshop on creative technologies, I wanted a 3D printer.
I’m very proud of the podcast launch too. Lots of people attended and the musicians and poets all did such a good job. It’s funny to think that six months before that the Young Curators all sat down at a table together for the first time with no idea what we were going to do. It took a lot of programming, planning and patience but, in the end, we managed to pull it off.
The Young Curators project has been such a positive experience in so many way – I would happily do it again!
What is your favourite part of Moseley Road Baths?
The Gala Pool holds a special place in my heart. Before the Young Curators, we held an Eid part in the empty Gala Pool and over a hundred people attended. It was amazing to see that many people celebrating together!
I’ve done archery in the Gala Pool too. I love seeing the look on people’s faces when I tell them all the things we did in the Gala Pool. I think, because it has the word “Baths” in it, people can assume that Moseley Road Baths is only a swimming pool. Once they visit though, they realise there is so much more going on.
Finally, what do you hope the legacy of the project will be?
Of course, we have the legacy of the podcast which people can now listen to whenever they want.
I think the real legacy of the project is: no matter how creative, outrageous or silly an idea is, it is possible. When we told people we were making a podcast in a bath, their eyes widened. They didn’t understand how it would be possible but we found a way of delivering it. Believe in silly ideas. That is a nice legacy to leave.
The Young Curators project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
