“All Our Stories” a major new exhibition

“All Our Stories” a major new exhibition at the Migration Museum in Lewisham spotlights how migration has shaped who we are in Britain and the NHS – as individuals, as communities and as a nation.

Over the decades, the National Health Service has faced huge pressures, rarely more so than today. From the very beginning, people came to Britain from all over the world to make this grand vision for a better society a reality. The vital role of many has been overlooked. This summer migration has often hit the headlines and sparked heated political and online debate.

The Migration Museum, in Lewisham, London, shines a lively light on the stories and experiences of mostly unheard of people who have come to Britain to work in the NHS and other areas, through photography, film, oral histories and an immersive experience that brings together singing and storytelling.

Opening on 13th September, All Our Stories, a new exhibition reveals how migration has shaped what we are in the UK, as individuals, as communities and as a nation. Aditi Anand, Artistic Director at the Migration Museum and lead curator of the exhibition says, ‘In the light of recent racist violence targeting migrant communities and ethnic minorities across the UK and with the museum moving towards a permanent central London site, this exhibition couldn’t be more timely or important. All Our Stories uses history as a way to illuminate our current moment and spark conversations about the kind of society we can be. The exhibition captures the individual lives and experiences – the everyday and the extraordinary – of people living through moments in history. At the same time, we also wanted to zoom out and look at the long history of migration to and from these shores across the centuries, putting into perspective what can seem like uniquely contemporary concerns.’

Visitors to the Migration Museum will be taken on an immersive journey exploring the reasons why people migrate and the experiences of arriving and settling and questions of identity and belonging. Throughout the show, historical moments are explored alongside contemporary responses, creating a space for individual and collective reflection, exploration and conversation.

Highlights on display include a Chinese takeaway installation, guest curated by author Angela Hui, inspired by her experiences growing up behind the counter of her parents’ takeaway in Wales.

Don’t miss seeing the newly commissioned film illuminating key migration moments throughout history by award-winning filmmaker and animator Osbert Parker and a room-sized imaginary departure lounge by artist Jiro Osuga interspersing fantastical and historical characters among the travellers waiting to board their flights.

Also on display, is a vending machine with a difference, showcasing “quintessentially British” brands with migration stories.

Sophie Henderson, CEO of the Migration Museum observes, ‘On an almost daily basis, we see how conversations about migration, race and belonging can become heated and polarising. But it doesn’t have to be like this. The Migration Museum’s goal has always been to highlight our shared history of migration in Britain, which stretches back centuries. The movement of people across the ages has profoundly shaped our landscapes and cities, our diets and fashions, our language and culture, and our ideas and beliefs. Migration goes to the heart of who we are today. And we all have a personal connection to this story. That’s why we’re working to create an inspiring, permanent cultural institution that puts our shared migration story centre stage. Through this exhibition, we invite people to join us on this journey.’

Visitors to All Our Stories will be invited to explore the Migration Museum’s archive of migration stories and share their own.

All Our Stories from 12th September ’24 at The Migration Museum, Lewisham Shopping Centre (Central Square), London SE13 is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 11am until 5.30pm.

Admission to the museum and exhibition is free – no booking necessary

A programme of events, including talks, lectures, workshops and day-long festivals exploring themes ranging from food to family history will run alongside the exhibition

For more visitor information, please visit: https://www.migrationmuseum.org/visit/
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