Event Details
A selection of textiles from the Conflict Textiles collection on display at the launch of 'A World of Stories', exhibition, 16 May 2023. (Photo: Sarah Calvin) |
| Exhibition and associated activities: | A World of Stories |
| Description: | A World of Stories commissioned by Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council museum Services looks into the 20th and 21st century experiences of those who have resettled in the Causeway Coast and Glens from around the world. Explored through both historical records, and through the eyes of more recent arrivals, the exhibition will illuminate the varied backgrounds of our communities and the contributions they have made to our society.
The exhibition will also feature contributions from:
1) Global Voices, Local Choices, a partnership project with National Museums NI which aims to bring diverse cultures and perspectives into Northern Irish local and national museums and;
2) Conflict Textiles, a collection of international textiles which focus on elements of conflict and human rights.
The six Conflict Textiles arpilleras, from Chile, Germany, England, Catalonia and Syria, reveal a multiplicity of stories – of community life, conflict, fleeing, displacement, resettlement in a new community, survival, dignity and resilience.
Stories from members of the local community who were born or grew up outside of Northern Ireland are central to the exhibition. These can be accessed at A World of Stories – Oral Histories and in the Exhibition Booklet
The exhibition was launched at 7pm, Monday 15th May at Coleraine Museum in Coleraine Town Hall.
|
| Commissioned by: | Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
| Date(s): | 13th May 2023 - 26th August 2023 |
| Venue: | Coleraine Museum at Coleraine Town Hall
Coleraine Museum at Coleraine Town Hall, The Diamond, Coleraine, Northern Ireland. BT52 1DE |
| Curator: | Roberta Bacic and Conflict Textiles team |
| Facilitator: | Nic Wright, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council |
| Outcome: | The exhibition was a timely exploration of identity and population movement. The Causeway Coast and Glens has historically had very low levels of inward international migration, but that situation is now starting to shift. This project challenged the common dichotomy of ‘Us and Them’ by individualising people born outside of Northern Ireland who have resettled in the area, and presented them with a platform to tell their own story. As one of our participants said, “… this is our country now. Your country is not the ground you are living in, it’s the place you feel safe, and you feel happy.”
The project engaged with over 2,000 people and has received wonderful feedback from both participants and visitors. Select comments are included below, but all evaluation and feedback is available at A World of Stories – project aims, approach and evaluation.
• How culturally rich the exhibition is – and such personal, powerful narratives. Mabrook!!
• Thank you, the stories and history are both life affirming that people find a good life here, but also shameful stories of racism.
• As a Welshman settled on the North Coast, I found the exhibition very moving. Wonderful stories, many to celebrate, all to think about.
• Congratulations again on the successful programme of “a world of Stories”, I really enjoyed it and it has made a real difference for our community.
|
| Documents: |
• Exhibition launch poster, 15 May 2023 - view
• Textile list, A World of Stories, May 2023 - view
• Photo gallery, 'A World of Stories' launch - view
• 'A Taste of the World' Series of talks, Aug23 - view
• Exhibition booklet - view
|
|
