It was a pleasure to host Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery at North Lincolnshire Museum.
Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery brought a unique experience to North Lincolnshire Museum. North Lincolnshire Museum does not possess items in its collection of such cultural and historical significance to Islam and co-working with Kiswa Arts and Culture gallery means we have been able to connect with an audience in a way we would not usually be able to. Funding from the Cultural Futures through National Lottery Heritage Fund has enabled us to work directly with Kiswa Arts and Culture gallery, who’s expertise has been invaluable, and transport and display objects from the collection.
From the beginning of the exhibition planning process, Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery informed us how to adapt the exhibition to our space, informed us on display techniques and specifications, correct object handling and care and conservation of artefacts.
Throughout the exhibition, Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery have interacted with the public, including people from the Muslim community, children of all age ranges, schools, colleges, adults with additional needs, heritage professionals, scholars, lifelong learners, artists, trainee police officers, prison officers and different faith representatives. The space created meant that we saw visitors to the Museum who had never entered before, who came because of the exhibition and because of the importance of the objects on display to their faith. The exhibition welcomed those of all faiths and none and was a place for curiosity and learning. For all attendees Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery provided a bespoke guided curation which has made the artefacts accessible. The guided curation included the story of the artefacts, from who, how and when they were made, what they are made from, to the journey which is made for pilgrimage.
Working with Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery has strengthened our team. It has increased their confidence in working with the Muslim community and understanding of world history and the history of the Islamic faith. As result of the exhibition, we are now in conversation about other projects and exhibitions we can facilitate to work with community partners we have met during this project.
Our biggest thanks and well wishes to Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery, who we hope to work with again in the future.
Kat Spence
Community Curator