Down County musem has just opened a new travelling exhibiton which explores Indian culture and heritage and the heritage of the Indian community in Northern Ireland.
The Sanskriti exhibition has been developed by ArtsEkta in collabration with members of the Indian community.
Many people are familiar with the Belfast Mela which is co-ordinated by ArtsEkta, but he organisation delivers many other projects from arts based workshops for scools to multicultural awareness training for adults. Ekta means bonding or uniting and the theme of the Sanskriti exhibition is very much about celebrating intercultural linkages.
The exhibition includes a diverse and colourul range of objects illustrating the themes of heritage, crat and industry, childhood and belonging, migration, education and religous heritage. Items included in the exhibition include costume, ceremonial objects, photographs, textile pieces, festival souvenirs and documents.
The text includes first hand accounts of early migrants to Belfast and other cities and the contrasting experiences of the members and the third generation members of the Indian community.
The exhibition is designed to create greater understanding of the history and traditions of the community and encourage appreciation of the contributon members of many migrant communities make to local society and cuture.
The exhibition will be on at the Museum until February 2018 and will be accompained by activities for schools. Two free workshops for children aged 10 and over will take place as well. There will be Rangoli art on Saturday 18 November and Warli art on Saturday 2 December.
The Chairperson of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Willie Clarke, said: “I am delighted that Down County Museum will be hosting the Sanskriti exhibition.
“The exhibition presents a very interesting account of the contribution made to local society and culture by the Indian community and highlights the many intercultural linkages that are part of our daily lives.
“I would encourage as any people as possible to visit this facinating and colourful exhibition and find out more about India’s heritage and traditions.”
