Inclusive Global Histories
Our journey towards decolonisation, diversity and inclusion.
Our 'Inclusive Global Histories' exhibition is the start of a journey that Ulster Museum is taking towards decolonisation, diversity and inclusion. Through this exhibition, Ulster Museum is re-evaluating its World Cultures collection, to better understand the complex global stories of some 4,500 items - how and why they came to be in Northern Ireland, the ways in which they connect to our audiences and what the options might be for these items in the future.
Working in partnership with others, we are re-examining our collections and sites, and seeking to address racism and exclusionary practices. We will highlight and redress the injustices of the past and face up to uncomfortable truths. We acknowledge we have much further to go, but we must start somewhere.
Through Inclusive Global Histories, we will bring marginalised voices and stories to the fore, exchange ideas and learn from others to encourage mutual respect and understanding. Our Inclusive Global Histories exhibition is divided into three sections;
- Telling stories from the past
- Challenging our present
- Shaping our future
Our Inclusive Global Histories exhibition will run for two years, with updates as research progresses and relationships develop. We want to hear the views of our audience on this work, and we welcome dialogue, particularly with those for whom the collections have special relevance and significance.
This is a free exhibition with no booking necessary.
Previous Events
Musical Global Histories | 26 July 2022
Curators, Dr Karen Logan and Tríona White Hamilton discuss the Inclusive Global Histories exhibition and how the concept has been shaped by the museum's decolonisation movement.
Their tour focuses on musical instruments on display - including a raft zither from Nigeria; an Australian baobab nut used as a ceremonial rattle; performance masks from West Africa; and a vinyl recording of the American jazz composer, Sun Ra's soundtrack to the 1972 Afrofuturist film, 'Space is the Place'.
In the Learning Zone on the Museum's ground floor, Belfast Zimbabwean musician, Agrippa Njanina, plays an mbira that he donated to the museum's collection. Roberta Bacic introduces the 'Dancing Cueca Alone' arpillera, followed by a musical response by Victor Henriquez on charango. And, Musician Yujing Peng plays and discusses the history of guzheng, how it is played and the different sounds it can produce.