Quick-fire visual questions

At The People Speak, creative conversation is the whole point. Whether we’re hosting Talkaoke or facilitating community sessions, the magic lives in the moment, in the host who can link unexpected points of discussion, throw out a question that makes someone stop and think, and let a conversation go somewhere unexpected.

Since 2023, we’ve been lucky to develop that same spirit of live improvisation with artist Christopher Gerhard, who has spent a series of Talkaoke events around the UK sharpening his craft of instant visualisation. Like the Visualisers we’ve worked with before him, Christopher brings something distinct: a background in narrative environments and architecture that shapes how he sees a conversation unfold in space. But it’s his interpersonal instinct that really sets the work apart. He isn’t tucked away quietly building an image in the background – he’s very much involved in the process. Talking, prompting, feeding off the room, and bringing it straight back into what he’s drawing.

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Through Autumn we hosted hybrid Talkaoke Hosting session in collaboration with In Situ – our partners in Pendle. It was a brilliant opportunity for us to not only refine our teaching approach but also to reflect on our methodology – something we rarely have a chance to do. One of the participants and a new talented Talkaoke host in the making is Imogen, who shared her thoughts in the blog below. 

“I first stumbled across the Talkaoke table at the Supernormal Festival in 2016. Slap bang in the middle of a field and fresh off the burning embers of the Brexit vote.

Talkoke at Supernormal 2015

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“Come in and chat” – that simple sign on our studio door in Aberfeldy Street has sparked something extraordinary. Over six transformative months, curiosity turned into creativity, conversations became performances, and neighbours became storytellers.

200 People. 5 Films. 20 Podcasts. One Anthem and a Computer Game

Between March and September 2025, Aberfeldy Stories showed what happens when you give people the space, skills, and support to share their narratives. The results? Over 200 residents stepped through our doors and left with:

• 5 short films that capture the heart of our neighbourhood
• 20 podcasts brimming with local voices and perspectives
• Stand-up comedy routines that turned personal experiences into laughter
• Written and performed stories shared with courage and creativity
• A computer game designed by local imaginations
• The Aberfeldy Anthem — written and performed by residents

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