PEOPLE from all of Leicester’s diverse communities are being asked to share their memories of the city for a major new exhibition.
Leicester Stories is a new social history project that will open in spring next year in a brand-new exhibition space at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery, in New Walk.
Focusing on the stories and voices of people living in Leicester from the 1950s onwards, it will include photographs, artifacts and an immersive film experience.
This permanent exhibition will be displayed in its own purpose-built Leicester Stories Gallery, a new space that is currently being fitted out close to the dinosaur gallery at Leicester Museum.
Residents from across Leicester’s diverse communities are being asked to get involved by sharing their nominations for Leicester Milestones and Leicester Community Legends.
A Leicester Milestone can be any event which has taken place in the city since 1950 and helped to shape the city into what it is today. Perhaps you can remember the first houses being built on the Eyres Monsell estate in 1951, the first Diwali lights being switched in 1983, the famous Caribbean Carnival launching in 1985, or Eid celebrations in the city over the years. Whatever your special memory, you can share it with others by nominating it as a Leicester Milestone.
A Leicester Community Legend is an inspirational person who has helped Leicester to become a thriving and vibrant city. It can be anyone who has helped their local community in any way and made a contribution to Leicester life It might be someone who started up or helps run a community organisation or has helped to raise the profile of the city.
To nominate a Leicester Milestone email exhibition project manager Clare Hudson at clare.hudson@leicester.gov.uk
To nominate a Community Legend, complete the online form – details below.
You can also leave a message for Clare on 07707 281335.
All nominations have to be made by 16 August 2021.
Clare said: “Leicester Stories is an exciting new exhibition which is being co-produced with the people of the city. We would encourage people from all walks of life and all our communities to help us develop the exhibition by suggesting defining events or milestones that matter to them, so that we can include them in this project. We would love to hear from you!”
Deputy city mayor Cllr Piara Singh Clair added: “We have so many diverse communities in Leicester with fascinating stories to tell, so I hope lots of people will help us by sharing their special memories.
“In this way, when this exhibition opens, it will be a wonderful reflection of both personal stories and Leicester’s collective history, which unites us all.”
The new exhibition and gallery space is being financed by the council's National Portfolio Organisation funding from Arts Council England.
To find out more, visit:
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/learning-engagement/leicester-stories-gallery-project/
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/news/leicester-milestones/
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/news/leicester-community-legends/ - where you can also fill out a nomination form.
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Picture shows Mela Diwali Street Party, Belgrave Road, 1986