Research Café - Religion, Culture and Community

As societies become increasingly polarised, cultural institutions and faith spaces have a vital role to play in bringing people together, building understanding, and nurturing a shared sense of belonging. Over the past six years, Manchester Museum has developed its Manchester Museum Celebrates programme, grounded in collaboration and co-curation. The word celebrate derives from the Latin celebratus, meaning “to assemble to honour” - an idea that perfectly captures the spirit of these events. Created in partnership with faith leaders, charities, community organisers, researchers, and others, they have brought thousands of people from across the city together in moments of connection, friendship, and shared joy.

In the aftermath of the summer 2024 riots, institutions are increasingly reflecting on their influence in shaping public discourse. Against a backdrop of rising Islamophobia, Manchester Museum has hosted a community Iftar since 2019, continually striving to be braver and more ambitious in creating experiences that reflect the diversity of both its collections and its communities. The programme has since expanded to include annual celebrations marking Lunar New Year, Vaisakhi, Africa Day, Diwali, and Christmas, offering safe, welcoming spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds.

On St George’s Day, following a well-attended session at the Museums Association Conference 2025, Creative Manchester and Manchester Museum will host a follow-up discussion. This will include an introduction to the context and history of the St George's flag by Cathy Hirst, Research and Editorial Officer at Manchester Cathedral.

Bringing together cultural professionals, researchers, and religious and community leaders, this event will explore why facilitating dialogue is so crucial in times of deep polarisation, and the role that cultural institutions and faith spaces have to play in this.

Chair:

Nusrat Ahmed, Lead Curator, South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum

Panellists:

· Sukhbir Singh, Chair of Trustees, Manchester Sikh Foundation

· Naz Asghar, Strategic Advisor

· Nidhi Sinha, Founder, Sangha and member, Greater Manchester Faith and Belief Panel

· Dr Luciana Lang, Research Associate, University of Manchester

Accessibility

If you have particular access or dietary needs, please let us know in advance by providing details when registering for your ticket or by emailing creative@manchester.ac.uk

About Creative Manchester

Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary research platform based at The University of Manchester. The platform champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities. Please visit the website for more information: Creative Manchester.

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