New Exhibition ‘Sanskriti’ Explores Indian Culture at Down County Museum

Down County Museum recently opened a new travelling exhibition ‘Sanskriti’, which explores Indian culture and heritage and the heritage of the Indian community in Northern Ireland.

The exhibition has been developed by ArtsEkta in collaboration with members of the Indian community. Many people are familiar with the Belfast Mela, which is co-ordinated by ArtsEkta, but the organisation delivers many other projects from arts based workshops for schools 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.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, ”I am delighted that Down County Museum is hosting this exhibition. ‘Sanskriti’ presents a very interesting account of the contribution made to local society and culture by the Indian community and highlights the many intercultural relationships that are part of our daily lives. I would encourage as many people as possible to visit this fascinating and colourful exhibition and find out more about India’s heritage and traditions.”

‘Sanskirit’ is designed to create greater understanding of the history and traditions of the community and encourage appreciation of the contribution members of many migrant communities make to local society and culture.

The exhibition includes a diverse and colourful range of objects illustrating the themes of heritage, craft and industry, childhood and belonging, migration, education and religious 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 members of second and third generation members of the Indian community.

The exhibition will be on display at the Museum until February 2018 and will be accompanied by activities for schools. Two free workshops for children aged 10 and over will take place also: Rangoli art on Saturday 18 November and Warli art on Saturday 2 December.