Understanding impact at the Institute
We explore how storytelling creates change. We identify the levers that can shift minds, behaviour, communities, policy and culture. We help storytellers understand impact and use these levers, so they can make more strategic choices as they create their work. We do this through research and convening.
Report: Impact Storytelling
In this inaugural report, we explore fundamental questions such as: What is 'impact storytelling'? What evidence supports its effectiveness? How has impact storytelling evolved, and what is its current state both in the UK and globally?
Our research maps the structure of the impact storytelling ecosystem, identifies its key players, engages with current live debates, and examines how to foster collaboration in a still fragmented field. By highlighting existing gaps and blind spots in the ecosystem, the report aims to create opportunities for reflection and dialogue across different industries and disciplines.
This is an essential resource for storytellers, artivists, students, scholars, and impact practitioners interested in storytelling for social change.
Read the Impact Storytelling report (PDF 2.6MB). The file is best viewed on Microsoft Edge, Safari, and Firefox. To display it in Chrome, you need to add the updated Adobe Acrobat extension to Chrome.
Event: Impact mapping
In 2023 we ran an event at Sheffield DocFest. It convened artists and campaigners for a live 'storytelling impact autopsy'. The aim was to unpick how change happened.
Three different works, all focused on housing justice were selected. They came from different disciplines. The Yes Men’s 'Build Homes Now Belfast' is a performance based piece of Sutervising. Katja Esson’s 'Razing Liberty Square' is a documentary. And Dylan Valley and Annie Nisenson’s work 'No Place But Here' a virtual reality work.
Using the Sheila McKechnie 'Social Change Grid' each was analysed in front of an audience. It showed how changed happened through the process of making the work as well as through its impact on audiences.
There was a broader discussion about how the framework offers a different way to see creative work as part of a larger ecology of change.
Read our story about the event to find out more.
Event: Mr Bates v the Post Office
This event explored the influence of the ITV drama “Mr. Bates Vs the Post Office”. The event included the show’s star actor Toby Jones and was moderated by Maxine Thomas-Asante. The panel featured Balvinder Singh Gill, a sub-postmaster who was affected. Patrick Spence, the producer, who revealed the challenges of getting the show on air.
Together, with Dr Sylvan Baker, they delved into the creative decisions that captured the imagination of over 10 million viewers.
Watch our event Storytelling as a force for good: Mr Bates vs The Post Office on YouTube.
Article: Mr Bates v the Post Office
This story from the AKO Storytelling Institute explores why "Mr. Bates vs The Post Office" had such extraordinary impact. It maps the wider ecosystem of subpostmasters, journalists, campaigners, lawyers and politicians. All worked for change over two decades. It shows how one powerful drama can accelerate action but rarely creates change alone. It asks how storytellers can work more closely with the movements and people driving change around them.
