Stunning Temporary Exhibition Showcasing Our ‘Peace Heroines’ Opens at Down County Museum

An exciting new temporary exhibition has now opened at Down County Museum, showcasing stunning new portraits by the artist FRIZ, of the peace heroines involved in the Northern Ireland peace process.

The exhibition entitled, ‘Peace Heroines’, was officially opened on Friday 20 October by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte.  It is the result of a collaboration between the organisation Herstory, National Museums NI and the Republic of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and was launched this year as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

The portraits sit alongside exhibition panels which reveal the heroines’ stories and their significant contribution to the peace process.  Herstory CEO and project curator, Melanie Lynch, explains, “The role of women in Northern Ireland Peace Process is a key United Nations case study. I reached out to our school contacts and they confirmed that this essential story is not taught on the official school curriculum in Northern Ireland or the Republic. Our new Peace Heroines project aims to change that and introduce students and the public to these legendary activists and inspire the next generation of peace builders.”

Opening the exhibition, Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “Women have been a driving force behind positive change throughout history. While their contributions have been overshadowed or under-represented, their impact has been profound. These ‘ordinary women of extraordinary courage’ dared to imagine a brighter, more peaceful future for Northern Ireland, and provided strength, courage and resilience to bring together diverse voices and promote understanding.”

Local Peace Heroine, Anne Carr, who is one of the featured portrait sitters, returned from her current home in Scotland to speak at the event.  She said, “Our peace was a miracle. Peace is about building a just, a fair, an inclusive society, so that every single person feels a sense of belonging. This exhibition reminds me of all of the women without whom we would not have reached an agreement. But it’s an ongoing journey, and we are all everyday peacemakers.”

Down County Museum Curator, Alan Freeburn said, “Down County Museum is proud to be the latest host for this exhibition and we are delighted that the portraits are newly framed and presented for our community.  We hope that all will come to reflect and be inspired by the heroines’ stories and courageous efforts.”

The exhibition is now open to the public free of charge until late December 2023. 

Entrance to Down County Museum is free of charge and opens between 10am-4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. For information on events, upcoming exhibitions and other services please telephone 0330 137 4049