Historic Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery Exhibition Hosted at St Lawrence Academy, Scunthorpe
Scunthorpe, 21 August 2025 – The St Lawrence Academy on Doncaster Road, Scunthorpe, opened its doors to an extraordinary cultural and interfaith event as the Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery presented its travelling exhibition of sacred Islamic artefacts. The event brought together dignitaries, faith leaders, community representatives, and members of the public in a celebration of art, heritage, and dialogue
Among the dignitaries in attendance were:
• Alison Barker , Chief Executive Officer, North Lincolnshire Council
• Farzana Khanum, Public Health Officer, North Lincolnshire Council
• Cllr Mashook Ali, Labour Councillor, Town Ward, Scunthorpe
• Cllr Lorraine Yeadone. Labour
• Kathryn Spence, Community Curator, Heritage Partnership Team, North Lincolnshire Council
• PC Mansoor Gull, Community Cohesion Officer, Community Safety Unit, Humberside Police
• Roj Rahman, Vice Chair, Scunthorpe United Football Club
• Abid Khan, Chair, Multifaith Forum North Lincolnshire
The exhibition also attracted widespread media coverage, including an article by BBC News, highlighting the event’s significance for cultural understanding and interfaith harmony. Read the article here
A Rare and Sacred Collection
The mobile exhibition showcased some of the most sacred and rare artefacts connected to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah and Al-Madinah, including:
• Original Kiswa cloths from different eras
• The Holy Kaaba Door Cover
• Scrolls of the Holy Qur’an dating back centuries
• The Qandeel, Samadi, and Hizam Belt of the Kaaba
• Artefacts from the Rawdah al-Mutahharah in Madinah
• Historic locks and keys of the Kaaba
Each piece told a story of devotion, craftsmanship, and tradition, spanning centuries of Islamic history and artistry. Visitors were invited to witness not only the physical beauty of the textiles but also the meticulous processes and spiritual significance embedded in their production
Voices of Unity and Reflection
The exhibition drew heartfelt responses from attendees, with several dignitaries giving live testimonials on the day. They spoke of the value of cultural dialogue, the importance of interfaith understanding, and the power of art in connecting communities across traditions
A Community Effort
The event was made possible through the collaboration of:
• Abid Khan, Chair of the North Lincolnshire Multifaith Forum
• Sarah Peach and the team at St Lawrence Academy, who hosted the exhibition with open arms and warmth
A special thanks was extended to the organisers, staff, and volunteers who ensured the event’s success
Building Bridges Through Culture
The Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery continues its mission of bringing sacred heritage to wider audiences across the UK. By showcasing priceless artefacts and fostering interfaith dialogue, it helps communities to experience shared values of respect, history, and artistry
This exhibition in Scunthorpe demonstrated how heritage can become a bridge – connecting people of all faiths and backgrounds in a shared appreciation of craftsmanship, spirituality, and human history
Media Article
BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79ljwqyg9ro
YouTube
Kiswa Arts and Culture Exhibition 2025
Telegraph Argos Scunthorpe –
Bangla TV
