A seminar for librarians and teachers in the framework of the FALL festival and connected with the exhibition KAFKAesque.

How can we all help develop empathy by sharing stories? The first part of the seminar will introduce the global Narrative 4 project focused on building empathy through story exchange. Narrative 4 educators from Ireland, Rachel Gleeson and Laura Duff, will present the unique methodology and share best practices. The presentation is followed by an immersive workshop. Get inspired how you can use the story exchange methodology in your own communities.

Storytelling, as it is used by Narrative 4 and DOX’s educational programmes, allows us to experience the sharing of stories with another person in a way that seems simple at first glance – listen and retell. And there is power in simplicity. Colum McCann, world-renowned Irish writer and founder of Narrative 4, has named this concept “radical empathy”.

The foundation of the experiential programme is the participants’ own authentic stories. The personal story (no more than five minutes long) should be on the topic of “transformation”. Each participant can decide whether to choose a sad, happy, serious, or light-hearted story. Participants will prepare their short personal stories in advance.

In this programme we will also relate to the world of contemporary visual art in the exhibition KAFKAesque.

Rachel Gleeson is a programme manager and instructor for Narrative 4, a global organisation that promotes a methodology developing empathy through story exchange. She has a degree in psychology with a focus on early childhood care. She is particularly interested in the topic of interpersonal communication and the impact of sharing personal stories on the formation and development of human relationships.

Laura Duff is an assistant and instructor for Narrative 4, a global organisation that promotes a methodology developing empathy through story exchange. She graduated from University College Cork. A talented singer and songwriter, she has won several music awards for her charismatic alternative pop.