North Down Museum

For this initiative, North Down Museum used its Sir John Newell Jordan collection to explore and celebrate local ethnic minority communities.

Jordan played an important ministerial role for the British Government in Korea and China in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the collection is a mix of artefacts bought by and gifted to Jordan and his family during his tenure there.

The project, which was funded by the EU Peace IV programme, saw three groups use the collection to learn about and celebrate Korean and Chinese cultures. Inspired by the collection, the first group developed original artworks and research that fed into the museum’s new permanent gallery.

The second group, made up of young people aged 16 to 25, used the collection to create 3D printing, laser etching and vinyl etching artwork. The third group experienced traditional Chinese painting with tutor and artist Rong-Gin Yin.

In addition, three temporary exhibitions and a new permanent gallery were developed, as well as a publication, schools package and an intercultural festival that saw more than 700 people experience a variety of cultures.