Voices – Different Pasts, Shared Future, an exhibition by The Higgins Bedford is going on tour to schools in 2018 thanks to a grant awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The display aims to share the experiences and voices of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants who have settled in Bedford, and will help children understand and appreciate we are all different and have our own stories.
The display features a tapestry with images of objects that people have brought from their countries of origin. These images of objects are overlaid with maps, showing people’s personal stories and journeys to the UK. The tapestries were stitched by volunteers from Bedfordshire Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support, The Higgins Bedford, and Aragon Lacemakers. It was first exhibited as part of as part of Refugee Week in June 2017.
With funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund, the museum is now taking the display out on tour to engage with an even wider audience. During the tour schools and local people will be able to help develop the project further by contributing their own migration stories and experiences.
The project aims to help The Higgins Bedford reflect the heritage and cultural background of all the diverse communities in the town and surrounding areas. The museum hopes to build understanding of the journeys and experiences that have brought people to Bedford, some of whom may be fleeing war and persecution.
Councillor Sarah-Jayne Holland, Portfolio Holder for Libraries and Culture said: “Voices – Different Pasts, Shared Future is a wonderful piece of work. This tour means that many more people will view the display, hear the oral histories of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants and help contribute to the development of the project.”
Brian Cunningham, Coordinator at Bedfordshire Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support said: “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with The Higgins Bedford on this very important project. The more people that see the display, hear the stories and get involved, then the greater understanding and empathy towards people who have settled here for a variety of reasons, some seeking asylum and refuge in very difficult circumstances. This project gives a clear message that refugees are welcome in Bedford.”
If you would like to find out more about how your school can get involved, please get in touch with Josepa Munoz at josepa.munoz@bedford.gov.uk