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Actual Project Outcomes
The Sculptures
The Audio Guide
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The Audio Guide
Location: City of Nottingham
Nottingham writer Andy Barrett was commissioned to create the audio guide that would accompany the sculptures.
The guide had to fulfil several criteria:- It must guide the viewer's hands around the sculptures while describing the relevant features.
- Provide historical and social context to the individual buildings.
- Create a story about the Lace Market.
- Maintain a balance between the navigation and history.
The first draft was ready for testing during September 2001.
Test sessions were organised in The Council House, Nottingham. Volunteers of varying ages, tactile abilities and sight conditions took part. Versions of the guide were played in conjunction with the sculptures, and feedback noted. Changes were made to the guide as appropriate.
Feedback was also sought from sighted volunteers at this stage. They were invited to test the guide with the sculptures hidden from view. The positive responses of these individuals confirmed the universal appeal of the project.
By Christmas 2001 a version was achieved which hoped to satisfy as wide an audience as possible. This was prepared for recording.
Recording the Audio Guide
The importance of the narrator's voice was recognised early in the project. This must be clear as well as captivating in order for the guide to be successful. The project decided to approach Joanna Lumley.
Ms Lumley through her work as a vice-president of Arts and Business kindly agreed. Recording was scheduled for the end of January 2002.
96 Trent FM in Nottingham organised the recording and production of the guide.
On the 29th January the artist and writer took the sculptures to London, to the studios of 96 Trent FM's sister station Classic FM. Here Ms Lumley narrated the scripts in conjunction with the sculptures to assist the pace of the guide.
Back in Nottingham at 96 Trent FM the introduction with instructions and directions was added. Andy Barrett provided the voice. A male voice was used to contrast with the female voice of the main narrative.
The guide was finally edited and produced with the assistance of the artist and writer.
Audio Guide Equipment
There were many equipment options for listening to the audio guide. These included state of the art digital handsets, CD players and cassette players. The project selected standard personal cassette players for their familiarity and cost effectiveness.
The Lace Market Unveiled offers visitors the following equipment options:
Personal cassette player with carry strap, headphones and cassette.
12pt or 16pt text version of the guide.
Braille version of the guide.
Visitors may also choose to bring their own cassette players.
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