The Power of Trust: Creating Safe Spaces in Participatory Research

In the first episode of series 2 of Whose Power? Abigail Harrison Moore and her co-hosts Lauren and Rahesa explore the critical role of trust in participatory research. Focusing on the Preservative Party at Leeds City Museum - a collective of young curators aged 14–24 - they discuss how creating a protected, deadline-free environment empowers authentic self-expression and meaningful activism. Abigail reflects on the emotional labour involved in this work and the importance of lived experience in research. Together, they uncover how trust, care, and collaboration can reshape not just museum practice, but society at large.

• Read a full transcript of this episode

Find out more about the Preservative Party on their LinkedIn or the Leeds Museums & Galleries website.

This is a Research Podcasts production.

Episode Credits

Presenters:  Abigail Harrison Moore, University of Leeds, Lauren and Rahesa, Preservative Party

Guests: Jordan Keighley , Leeds City Museum

Producer: Chris Garrington, Research Podcasts

Studio and sound: Helix, University of Leeds and Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Music: Aura, by Tae, Preservative Party

Artwork and graphics: Preservative Party with Krissie Brighty-Glover, Research Podcasts

Photography: Andrew Lord

Funding: Research England Participatory Research Fund 2024-25