Rebel Resistors Radio Club

Action Hero’s international participatory project Rebel Resistors Radio Club invites 11 year old girls into a club that asks deep and profound questions in a playful and accessible way: Where are we heading? Where is power held? How will we share space together in an uncertain world?

We were delighted to be able to bring their work to Mile Cross Primary School in Norwich in 2024 and to St. Nicholas Priory Primary School in Great Yarmouth in 2025.

Working with lead artist Gemma Paintin, participants were supported to work with analogue technologies and with a DIY approach, the Rebels built antennas, constructed radios and thought about what messages they would like to put out into the world.

Rebel Resistors Radio Club considers how young people might be able not just to control the means of production, but literally build it themselves and use that space to talk about the future that they will create together.

A private message was also recorded that was sent to the next group of Rebels; a DIY radio relay that will span the globe as the project tours and the network grows.

Work by pupils from St. Nicholas Priory Primary School was presented at PRIMEYARC during Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2025.

‘I think the girls will remember the project for many years to come. So many skills: teamwork, design and technology. A sense of self. Huge thanks to Gemma who inspired and encouraged the girls for the week.’ – Teacher, St. Nicholas Priory Primary School

‘I think everyone should go to the Rebel Resistor Radio Club. It is so fun and Gemma is the best!’ – Participant, St. Nicholas Priory Primary School

Artist

Action Hero

Location

Norwich & Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

Participants

-12 x Year 6 girls from Mile Cross Primary School, Norwich
-12 x Year 5 girls from St. Nicholas Priory Primary School, Great Yarmouth