Historic Exhibition Bridges Communities at North Lincolnshire Museum
By Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery Team
From Tuesday 2nd December to Saturday 6th December, the North Lincolnshire Museum hosted a landmark cultural exhibition curated by Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery, drawing diverse audiences from across the United Kingdom — from school children and families to academics, interfaith representatives, civic leaders and public services. The exhibition showcased rare Islamic heritage artefacts, inviting conversation, education and meaningful reflection on history, culture and shared humanity
Visitors described the experience as uplifting, inspiring and deeply educational, engaging with objects that sparked curiosity and encouraged interfaith understanding. Many left handwritten feedback, video testimonials and heartfelt messages, expressing admiration for the project and its contribution to cultural preservation
This exhibition flourished through exceptional support, guidance and dedication from key individuals who played a crucial role in making the event possible — opening doors, building networks and devoting time and effort to its success.
First and foremost, recognition is given to:
• Kathryn Spence – Community Curator, North Lincolnshire Museum (lead hard-work and coordination)
Followed by individuals whose contributions strengthened delivery, outreach and community engagement:
• Abid Khan – Chairman, Interfaith Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire
• Sheikh Ilyas – Community Faith Leader
• Hafiz Yusuf – Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery Team
• Hafiz Omar – Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery Team
• Kate West – North Lincolnshire Council / Cultural Futures Manager
• Hannah Karnharn – Cultural Futures Programme, Irving Patrick
Their collective effort, alongside museum staff, created an environment of hospitality, organisation and community cohesion throughout the event
Honoured Guests, Institutions & Delegations in Attendance
Faith, Civic & Community Representation
• Mother Kate – St. George’s Church
• Rev. Philip Brent – St. Lawrence’s Church
• Cllr. Mashook Ali – Councillor, Scunthorpe Town Ward (Labour)
• Sir Nic Dakin – MP for Scunthorpe (Labour)
Law Enforcement & Public Service
• Jonathan Jones – Regimental Support Officer, British Army
• PC Mansoor Gull – Community Cohesion, Humberside Police
• HMP Prison Officers in attendance
• Trainee Humberside Police Officers
Health, Education & Research Bodies
• Farzana Khanum – Public Health Officer, North Lincolnshire Council
• Dr. Stephanie Codd – Former Programme Leader for English & History (University of Lincoln)
• North Lincolnshire Post-Graduate Research Group
• Workers’ Education Association – Louth
• North Lincolnshire Sanctuary Group
• Museum Makers – Adults with Additional Needs
• Home Schooling Groups – North Lincolnshire
Schools & Colleges
• Trent View College
• Coritani Academy
Media Coverage
• Amanda White – BBC News
The exhibition gained national visibility through BBC Breakfast Morning Reel, followed by coverage on BBC North Lincolnshire television, and a published BBC online article, leading to a significant increase in public attendance. Many attendees stated it was their first time visiting the museum — a testament to the power of heritage events in opening new doors and engaging wider demographics
As visitors left, they carried with them a renewed appreciation for cultural preservation, interfaith connection and community unity. The atmosphere reflected the core vision of Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery: to protect heritage, educate society and ensure that history lives on in hearts and minds for generations
#scunthorpe #museum #heritage #fyp #viral
Display Of Rare Authentic Kiswa Fabric & Islamic Artefacts From The Holy City Of Makkah & Madinah In Saudi Arabia
