Paisley Museum community connections strengthened after securing funding

An innovative partnership between Paisley Museum and local community groups has secured a major grant to further develop educational and engagement opportunities.

Article Source: Paisley Museum
Last Updated: 23 February 2024 14:01

Paisley Museum is currently undergoing a £45 million refurbishment – Scotland’s biggest cultural heritage project - and the project team leading the refurbishment has been working with communities and groups from around Renfrewshire and internationally, to co-produce story displays. The innovative approach ensures that local and expert voices play a key role in shaping how displays in the museum will look, allowing for better interpretation and understanding of objects. Thanks to a £100,000 grant from Esmee Fairbairns Collection Fund, Paisley Museum will continue to develop its community ties as part of a broader learning and engagement programme.

Two of the organisations Paisley Museum has worked with provide a voice and support for Scotland’s African diaspora.

The team worked with Jambo Radio – Scotland’s only radio station for people of African and Caribbean heritage – and Pachedu, a charity which promotes diversity and dignity for diverse communities.

Johannes Gonani from Pachedu runs the School of African Cultures which helps children and young people of African heritage to rise above negative stereotypes they see and hear at school or on social media. Johannes said: “Working with the museum we’ve been able to show Africa’s contribution to world civilisation.

“Many of our community didn’t feel museums were for them until they went into the museum space - but once they saw the collection they lit up talking about how an object linked to their grandmother’s stories and, from there, it was amazing.”

The partnership work will build on previous activity focussed on children and young people, providing positive narratives that challenge some of the often stigmatising perceptions of the African continent.

George Tah from Jambo Radio has been providing people with training and skills in broadcast, especially young people. Jambo Radio has been working with the museum across a number of heritage projects, including bringing new perspectives to a significant artwork by the late John Byrne. George welcomed the investment by

Esmee Fairbairn and said: “This will allow us to build on the work we’ve been doing before and that is very important, because it needs to continue. We don’t want to lose all of the effort and momentum of the last 18 months.

“I would like to think that we have got unfinished business as far as identifying certain aspects of the museum and linking them to our everyday life and bringing life into those objects.”

Neil Bristow, Public Programme Manager at OneRen, which is delivering the museum refurbishment on behalf of Renfrewshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to have received this backing from the Esmee Fairbairn Collection Fund. Paisley Museum will be a world-class attraction with community at its heart and, with collections from across the world, it’s critical that we engage with communities, such as the African diaspora, to ensure their stories and insight are reflected in our work.”

Aileen Strachan, Content Delivery Manager at OneRen, said: “This funding will allow us to further strengthen our partnership so communities are genuinely shaping every aspect of the museum service, from the objects we collect and display to the programmes and spaces we provide.”

Johannes added: “I can’t wait for the museum to open; there are so many possibilities. Working with young people is our passion, giving them opportunity and a voice and ownership of the process. Together we’re building a legacy and that is so important.”

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Celebrate the arrival of Deadpool & Wolverine with limited edition merch and sweet treats at Vue

THE highly anticipated team-up of Deadpool & Wolverine is finally arriving at screens across the UK and Ireland this weekend at Vue Cinemas.

READ MORE

Linwood lights up blue to mark World Drowning Prevention Day

The newly installed lights at Linwood's Tweedie Hall have been switched on for the first time to mark World Drowning Prevention Day.

READ MORE

Search is on for the biggest craft beer fan in Scotland

Edinburgh’s award-winning Cold Town Brewery has launched a nationwide search to appoint an honorary chief taster to help develop its new summer beer range.

READ MORE

Celebrate the Gruffalo with The Royal Society for Blind Children

Join a very special session on Zoom as The Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) celebrates The Gruffalo's 25th birthday, in partnership with Macmillan Children's Books!

READ MORE

National Trust For Scotland launches annual footpath fund appeal as countryside visitors climb

Charity appeals for Footpath Fund donations as countryside visitors increase by 16 percent in first half of the year.

READ MORE

Music fans have a lot to look forward to at Vue in Scotland this summer

Music lovers have a lot to celebrate this summer at Vue, with three exciting titles hitting the big screen – including BLACKPINK’s latest concert film.

READ MORE

Aldi Scotland launches search for the Ultimate BBQ Ambassador

In response to Scotlands gloomy and grey summer weather, Aldi Scotland has launched a nationwide hunt for the country’s Ultimate BBQ Ambassador.

READ MORE

Caledonian Sleeper launches photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots

The landscape photography competition will run until October with three prizes up for grabs!

READ MORE

Trust teams up with round the world cyclist to showcase accessible routes in National Park

Trust in the Park has teamed up with renowned round-the-world cyclist and filmmaker Markus Stitz to showcase Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s accessible routes this summer.

READ MORE

Impact Arts celebrates 30 years of changing lives in Scotland and puts the call out for stories

On 22 August, the team at Impact Arts will raise a glass to three decades of life-changing work, as Scotland's leading creative engagement charity prepares to mark its 30th anniversary.

READ MORE

Free gardening workshops at Dobbies for National Allotment Week

Dobbies is celebrating National Allotment Week by inviting gardening enthusiasts across the country to a series of free Grow How workshops throughout the month, focusing on allotment gardening.

READ MORE

Series of Creative Workshops Support Neurodivergent Young People Across Edinburgh This Summer

Neurodiversity charity Salvesen Mindroom Centre collaborates with local creative organisations to create opportunities and support the transition to life beyond school.

READ MORE

Glasgow Clan looking to find ice hockey stars of the future

The Glasgow Clan are aiming to produce their own ice hockey stars of the future.

READ MORE

Local views wanted for the future of Kilbarchan Steeple buildings

Local people in Kilbarchan and the surrounding area are being encouraged to take part in a survey which sets out potential future uses for the Steeple Buildings.

READ MORE

The top pipers and drummers in Scotland set to return to Renfrew

Renfrew's Robertson Park will host Scotland's top piping talent once again as the Renfrew Pipe Band Competition returns to the town on Saturday 20th July.

READ MORE

Top 10 regions where most books are set across Scotland

VisitScotland has analysed over 11,500 books on the Goodreads database to reveal readers’ top-rated books set in Scotland and the regions most frequently depicted in literature.

READ MORE

TRNSMT 2025 confirmed as dates and tickets sales announced

Scotland's biggest live music event has been confirmed to go ahead next year, and fans can get their hands on early bird tickets this week.

READ MORE

Asda Foundation announces funding to transform community spaces

Community groups in Scotland to be awarded grants ranging from £10,000 to £25,000.

READ MORE

Nominations Are Now Open for BIH Spotlight Awards 2024

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) is thrilled to announce that nominations are now open for the third BIH Spotlight Awards.

READ MORE

Young Golfers Get Surprise Visit From Genesis Scottish Open Championship Trophy

On the first day of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, young golfers from across Scotland received a surprise visit from the tournament’s official championship trophy.

READ MORE

Borders stately home Floors Castle supports Cash For Kids with launch of Inflatable Insanity

Borders stately home Floors Castle is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its Inflatable Insanity giant obstacle course this summer!

READ MORE

Big Art Show 2024 launches!

One of Scotland's largest open entry exhibitions, Paisley's annual Big Art Show, returns for a third edition from Friday 30th August - Saturday 16th November 2024.

READ MORE

Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company return with To Save The Sea

Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company are delighted to bring their latest musical extravaganza, To Save The Sea, to Scottish stages this autumn.

READ MORE

Renfrewshire runners prepare for Paisley 10k

Runners from across Renfrewshire and beyond have been limbering up for the Paisley 10k and 3k Fun Run which takes place on Sunday, 18th August.

READ MORE

SAY Award opens for 2024 with fans and artists encouraged to submit albums

Scotland's national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year Award, has launched, inviting artists, music fans and labels to submit eligible albums and be in the running for the prestigious prize.

READ MORE

Thousands enjoy Sma Shot Day fun in Paisley

Thousands turned out to enjoy a day of spectacular parades, performances and live entertainment at Paisley’s annual Sma’ Shot Day celebrations!

READ MORE

Braehead Shopping Centre launch Summer of Fun for families

Braehead Shopping Centre officially launched its free 'Summer of Fun' event on Saturday 6th July, celebrating the start of summer in style.

READ MORE

Dobbies hosts free Show and Tell gardening workshop

Dobbies is inviting children aged 4-10 to a free and interactive Little Seedlings workshop on Sunday 4th August, that includes a dedicated gardening Show and Tell.

READ MORE

Paisley does Hollywood Boulevard!

First ten paving stones are unveiled for Paisley's Buddie Walk of Fame.

READ MORE

Sma Shot Day celebrations to take place this weekend

Paisley's popular Sma' Shot Day event takes place on Saturday 6th July with a day-long programme of entertainment to mark one of the world's oldest worker's festivals.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links