Joseph Conrad – The Life of a Lowestoft Immigrant

About the Project

The Voice cLoud CIC’s project, Joseph Conrad – The Life of a Lowestoft Immigrant, was a National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported initiative exploring the early experiences of acclaimed writer Joseph Conrad in Lowestoft.

Through community workshops, research, and an original musical performance, the project transformed academic findings into an accessible and engaging exploration of heritage, immigration, and identity.

The project was delivered between Autumn 2023 and Summer 2024 culminating in a performance in June entitled ‘The Ballad of Polish Joe’.

Key Achievements

• Live Performance: The Ballad of Polish Joe, a new musical piece inspired by Conrad’s time in Lowestoft, brought history to life for local audiences.
• Public Engagement: Community workshops enriched public understanding of Conrad’s influence, maritime heritage, and immigrant experiences.
• Research & Discovery: The project uncovered new insights into Conrad’s Lowestoft years, challenging existing historical narratives and engaging with experts worldwide.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Efforts were made to reach diverse audiences, removing barriers to participation and ensuring that heritage was shared widely.
• Wellbeing & Community Pride: Through creative storytelling, music, and shared learning, the project fostered confidence, social connection, and civic pride among participants.

This project was made possible thanks to the support of National Lottery players and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Our full reports, compiled by Stephen Amer, for the Voice cLoud are available to read below.