What’s in your heart?

Tender Exchange by Radical Ritual invites you to pause for a moment of connection in the midst of a busy world. Whisper something that matters to you into a carved wooden heart — a hope, a truth, a memory, or a thought you want held — and pass it to someone you trust. The heart beats gently in your hands, and as more voices gather inside it, the rhythm shifts, signalling that it is full and ready to return.

When you bring it back, your words become part of a shared listening ritual — a space where feelings are woven together, and held with care.

In a world more divided than ever, the power of community has never been more vital. Tender Exchange offers a simple yet powerful experience: a living folk exchange that celebrates generosity, vulnerability, and the quiet courage of being heard. It creates a moment where strangers meet with compassion, and trust grows through small acts of openness.

Creative Team 

Artistic Director: Becca Gill 

Hearts and plinths built by: Ollie Finn

Design by: Paul Reardon

Heart technology by: xplor Research and Innovation Centre 

Soundtrack:Malia Walia

Beautiful piece.  Something that embeds community voice and enables people to speak freely and share with others.  Audience member – Norwich and Norfolk Festival

A genius idea.  A way for people to connect even when they don’t know each other.  Connecting and spreading love.  Audience member – Norwich and Norfolk Festival

It was so beautiful and deeply moving to take part.  I sat at the nearby coffee shop and just listened for an hour after I’d participated.  The beating of the heart cracked me wide open.  Audience member – Norwich and Norfolk Festival

Tender Exchange is a Radical Ritual production supported by Without Walls and commissioned by Brighton Festival, Activate/Inside Out Dorset, Stockton International Riverside Festival, and Freedom Festival.