Village Storytelling Centre VSF16: Storytelling - The Power of Engagement

Storytelling has a unique power to engage us not just on a logical but an emotional level, to help us think differently about issues, to take us outside our typical thought patterns and open new vistas of imagination. This symposium, chaired by Donald Smith of the Scottish Storytelling Centre, features Katrice Horsley examining Neuroscience and Narrative, Beth Hamilton-Cardus, one half of Suit and Pace, talking about and also giving us an opportunity to try out Big Topic Tales: Issue-Based Storytelling for Children and Janis Mackay discussing Stories for a Better Nation, a project that paired traditional folklore with modern issues to provide space to consider fresh perspectives.

9.30am – 9.35am: Emma Collins (Executive Director, The Village Storytelling Centre) – Introduction and Welcome
9.35am – 9.50am: Donald Smith (Director of TRACS - Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) – The Power of Story
9.50am – 10.35am: Katrice Horsely (Storyteller, facilitator and researcher) - Neuroscience and Narratives
10.35am – 11.15am: Beth Hamilton-Cardus (Suit and Pace) – Big Topic Tales: Issue-Based Storytelling for Children
11.15am – 11.30am: Break
11.30am – 12noon: Janis Mackay (Storyteller) – Stories for a better nation
12noon – 12.30pm: Panel discussion, chaired by Donald Smith