We’re developing new galleries that explore the history of Watford, and we want local people to help curate them. Our Entertainment and Nightlife display will celebrate the sounds, spaces and stories that made Watford’s grassroots music scene what it is and we’re inviting you to be part of it.

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How to take part

• Application: view the application here

• Email: museum@watford.gov.uk (for questions) 

• Deadline: 2 November 2025

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Why we’re doing this

Museum of Watford (MOW) aims to collaborate with local communities to co-curate displays that reflect the town’s diverse experiences and perspectives. This display will be community-first: curated by and for the people whose stories are shared. By collecting new objects, we’ll also ensure our collection better represents all communities in Watford.

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What we’re looking for

We’re forming a small co-curation panel (up to six participants). If you’ve played in bands, been to gigs, run venues, made zines, put on nights or simply have powerful stories or objects linked to Watford’s entertainment and nightlife, we’d love to hear from you.

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What the display will cover

We want to tell personal stories through your objects related to music, performance and social gatherings. We’ll focus on four themes:

• The bands and the gigs – the sounds and the people that made it happen

• The spaces and venues – the pubs, clubs, youth centres and streets central to the scene

• The DIY spirit – how you and your friends created your own music, zines and events

• The style and the sound – the fashion, records and objects that defined your scene

 

This is your opportunity to ensure authentic voices and stories are at the heart of our new display.

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What is co-curation?

Co-curation is a collaborative process where museum professionals and community members work together to create a display.

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It means:

• Shared responsibility – everyone contributes and has a say in the direction

• Diversity of perspectives – more inclusive and representative content

• Community engagement – a stronger sense of ownership and involvement

• Knowledge sharing – skills and expertise exchanged across the group

 

Museum staff will guide, mentor and provide training where required, but the group decides what to represent and how it’s represented. The co-curation group will manage object selection, artist commission and interpretation writing.

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What’s involved

• Work with Museum staff and fellow panel members to shape the display content

• Help identify and select objects, stories and images (including from your own collections, if you wish)

• Contribute to the look, feel and interpretation of the display

• Optional involvement in outreach and community call-outs

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Selection process

This is an open call for up to six participants to join the panel. We’ll review expressions of interest to bring together a mix of lived experiences and perspectives connected to Watford’s entertainment and nightlife.

Key dates

• Applications open: 23 September 2025 (complete application here) 

• Applications close: 2 November 2025​

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Accessibility and support

We want this project to be accessible. If you need support to apply or participate (for example alternative formats, interpreters or travel support), please tell us what you need and we’ll do our best to help.

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Contact

For enquiries, please contact Museum of Watford Team on museum@watford.gov.uk

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The Museum of Watford has been made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.