Listening Spaces facilitate face-to-face, intentional listening and dialogue between people of different cultures, races, faiths, social class and political opinions.
 
Conversations and narratives on many topics are increasingly polarised, and the art of listening to people we disagree with is fading. Our lines of difference can cause deep fractures, leading to increased intolerance and violence. 
 
These facilitated discussions are spaces where we can disagree well whilst holding respect for one another. This helps to build our understanding so we are better equipped to live well with difference.
 
Background
 
Bridges for Communities has been working for 15 years to build kinder, fairer, and more welcoming communities. Bridges runs a series of projects all designed to connect people with different backgrounds to build understanding. Listening Spaces was piloted in 2023, after recognising the need for more intentional dialogue in communities on divisive issues and topics.
 
Listening Spaces: Plans
 
Building on the success of events from the last few years (topics including immigration, the housing crisis, racism, incel culture, global conflicts & diversity), this funding allows us to expand community conversations to cover a range of other topics people feel strongly about. 
 
We are also planning a series of monthly listening spaces centred on current issues and events that feature a guest speaker followed by facilitated group discussion, where people can share their thoughts and listen to others with different views.
 

 
This funding also supports our journey exploring how the arts can promote interfaith dialogue and peace building at a deeper level. 
 

 

Click here to read how Poet in Residence and Co-facilitator, Leeza Awojobi, shows how poetry can aid bridge building. 
 

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