John Campbell

For more than three decades, John Campbell has dedicated his career to recording the stories that history often leaves behind.

As a socially engaged artist, oral historian and co-founder of The Sound Agents, he has worked alongside communities across Liverpool and beyond, helping people preserve their memories, celebrate their heritage and tell their own stories in their own words.

His work sits at the intersection of art, history and public engagement. Through oral history interviews, exhibitions, creative installations and community-led research, John has developed projects that capture lived experience before it disappears. His approach is rooted in collaboration, placing local voices at the heart of every commission rather than speaking on their behalf.

Throughout his career, John has led projects exploring Liverpool's Chinese, Irish, maritime and working-class heritage, working in partnership with museums, archives, universities, local authorities and cultural organisations. His ability to bring together historical research and contemporary storytelling has helped create projects that are both academically rigorous and deeply personal.

As Creative Director of The Sound Agents, John continues to shape projects that strengthen identity, encourage dialogue and connect communities with the histories embedded within their streets, buildings and families. His work demonstrates that heritage is not simply about preserving the past. It is about giving people the confidence to understand where they come from and why their stories matter.

Whether recording an oral history, curating an exhibition or developing a public art commission, John's work is driven by a simple belief: the people who make history should also be the ones who tell it.