Connecting Communities and Collections Update
Why This Project Matters
Empower Women for Change (EWfC) and the David Livingstone Birthplace Museum (DLBM) have joined forces on a two‑year adventure (May 2024 - May 2026) called Connecting Communities & Collections: Sustainable Co‑Production. Funded by Museums Galleries Scotland, the programme gives Minority Ethnic women the time, space and support to see their stories reflected in Scotland’s heritage – and to help shape how those stories are told.
Six participants – new migrants, refugees, asylum‑seeking and ethnic‑minority women - meet monthly at DLBM and other museums, with extra fortnightly catch‑ups. Together with museum professionals they are learning the full exhibition‑making toolkit, from research and object handling to interpretation and display design.
Our Journey So Far
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Project start-up & Recruitment: Recruitment of the staff and 6 participatory volunteers Project Introduction and code of conduct DLBM First Visit Co-production workshop: Getting to know the staff, participants and Museum and the process of co-production |
May 2024 |
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DLBM second Visit Getting to know you workshop: Exploring participants aspirations, ideas and connection Museum Visit See the document below |
June 2024 |
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DLBM third Visit Exhibition Development stage 1 workshop: Preparing for the Exhibition, planning and development stage Please see the Exhibition Document |
July 2024 |
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DLBM 4th Visit Exhibition Development stage 2 workshop: Working towards the exhibition Developing ideas Interpretation Exhibition Space Visit Museum Viist |
August 2024 |
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Burrell Collection Curated tour by Burrell collection's team Exploring the exhibition and looking at the collection, Space and Display Interpretation |
September 2024 |
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DLBM Independent visit Participant lead visit: Exploring DLBM and taking a closer and deeper look at the collections |
September 2024 |
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Women In Revolt Exhibition National Galleries of Scotland: Edinburgh |
September 2024 |
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Tram way Exhibition |
October 2024 |
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Black History Month activity workshop 1 Exploring complex themes of slavery and colonialism, using the museum's collections as a foundation. |
October 2024 |
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Black History Month activity workshop 2 Exploring complex themes of slavery and colonialism, using the museum's collections as a foundation. |
October 2024 |
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Hunterian Museum Exhibition of Discomfort A curated tour by Zandra Yeaman about decolonising the collection at the museum |
November 2024 |
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Kelvingrove Art Gallery Empire & Slavery Exhibition and African Arts workshop |
December 2024 |
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Arts Space G41 Ceramic, pottery Making: Preparing for the Exhibition |
January 2025 |
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Textile Studio: Preparing for the Exhibition |
January 2025 |
Growing Skills, Confidence and Opportunity
- Confidence & Belonging – participants report feeling “more confident and thrilled” as they see their ideas take shape.
- New Pathways – one member now volunteers with Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art Saturday Club; another supports events at DLBM; two more help run local festivals.
- Cultural Exchange – group discussions dig into the links between Africa and Scotland, sparking fresh perspectives on food, clothing and medicine in David Livingstone’s era.
“Through this project I am learning how to work in a team, prepare cultural events and really enjoy heritage work.”
What’s Next?
The group is now fine‑tuning exhibition labels, testing display methods and finalising the public programme that will open at DLBM in 2025. Their biggest ask? More time on site to delve deeper into the collection and perfect their storytelling.
Learn More
Please visit Connecting Communities and Collections Project page for additional information.
Follow The Story
Keep an eye on EWfC and DLBM social channels for sneak peeks, behind‑the‑scenes reels and the official exhibition launch date. By supporting these six trail‑blazers, you’re helping ensure Scotland’s museums speak to every community they serve.
Acknowledgments
Our participation in the Delivering Change Sustainable Co-production Fund was made possible thanks to National Lottery and People’s Postcode Lottery players.
