Postcards of Kindness

“How lovely to meet you. There is an unknown joy in meeting a stranger. I hope today you experience kindness”

Audiences at The FestiDale were invited to take a moment to create a postcard for a stranger, leaving their own address to receive one in return. Posted by our Rochdale Ambassadors & Champions, 220 postcards were shared between people across Rochdale.

“Wishing you much love, peace and happiness throughout your life”

“I hope you like Rochdale Football team as much as me!”

This simple exchange challenges and questions some of society’s construction of strangers, the fear and threat often associated with the unknown. Instead, the messages shared, of joy, hope and simple hellos, invite us to view ourselves and unknown others as part of a larger community – connected both by place and care.

“To lovely you. Yes you… The one reading this message. You are kind, smart, amazing and simply the best!”

“I hope you like my colouring and that you have a wonderful day!”

We hope, as the postcards land through letterboxes across Rochdale, that these messages get passed along.

“I hope this makes you smile!”

Postcards of Kindness is a Local Exchange project developed with our Rochdale Ambassadors and Champions as part of their aim “to create fun and joyful experiences for people to be part of and make memories”. Local Exchange is the Royal Exchange Theatre’s community engagement programme, find out more here.

Artwork designed by Sam Edwards.