And its spread, Miles said, is an example of why the legacy of colonialism shouldn’t just be stories of oppression. “On the right, we’ve got a sailing ship with a German flag which is likely picking up the produce of some of that work or from elsewhere in the Empire. Acting curator Jean-Francois Manicom, and guest curator Elizabeth Kwant will be available for interviews. He said: “What 2020 has done has made a lot more people aware, who weren’t previously, of how entrenched racism is in our society. “I think that’s key to the success of any project like this. “The symbols of it are all there, to the left of the painting you can see a sailing ship with the American flag, which would likely be carrying cotton from a plantation worked on by enslaved people. Since 2007, the International Slavery Museum at Liverpool’s Albert Dock has told the story of the trade, the lives that were lost and the fortunes that were made. International Slavery Museum - museum from home. “While obviously an important part, there’s a whole wealth of other culture and heritage that had come about as a result of it. We do certainly have some though that we could look to use to interpret and tell those stories and make those connections.”. “It shows enslaved African people fought hard to retain their cultures, religions and identities despite the colonists and those trying to eradicate them,” he explained. “Colonialism has shaped our society as we know it, which means that so many different people have different perspectives and views on it.”. “Consultation is one way, actually asking people how they think we should be approaching it, but it’s also important to look at ways of incorporating the voices of people, particularly those whose heritage is most closely associated with this history. Discussions with the public will be a cornerstone for this work, reflecting the fact this history cannot be neatly packed into one single, all-encompassing experience or story. The Story of Liverpool Through Its Trees â Get Involved! Take a break from the news, and let us take you on a journey of history and art. “While it’s not a historic document, there’s such a clear symbol of how Glasgow came to be the city that we see now.”. The killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis in May saw a surge in support for movements like Black Lives Matter, which had already been in motion for several years. The Anti-Racist Museum: Reflection and Progression – Museum Ideas 2020 Richard Benjamin – Head of the International Slavery Museum,… Preparing for Post-Corona Challenges — Museum Ideas 2020 Miles believes enslavement’s influence on culture is as much a part of the story as the “sheer brutality” of the system. A brick-and-mortar example is the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in the city’s Royal Exchange Square, which is housed inside a former tobacco merchant’s mansion. Part of the National Museums Liverpool group, this venue explores historical and contemporary aspects of slavery. Earlier this year, Glasgow Life appointed its first curator to look specifically at the legacies of slavery and the British Empire. International Slavery Museumâs curator awarded Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres. It’s still quite early days at the moment, but I’m looking forward to cracking on.”, Visit glasgowmuseumsslavery.co.uk for more information. To balance the westward spread of slavery, the government also restricted slavery to … Working in partnership with other museums with a focus on freedom and enslavement, the museum provides opportunities for greater awareness and understanding of the legacy of slavery … He added: “Anyone who works in interpreting these histories always says that it’s Black History Month every month of the year. “Even those that were forced to cross the Atlantic and undergo brutal forced labour still maintained connections to their roots. Every year, the International Slavery Museum commemorates Slavery Remembrance Day (SRD) on 23 August, a day in 1791 that saw the beginning of an uprising of enslaved Africans o n the island of Saint Domingue (modern Haiti) that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.. view of the museum and believe it is an credibly vital local resource. ... 6 Ways You Can Celebrate International Women’s Day at Your Museum February 18 2019; ... Rio Slavery Museum Raises Questions. Miles Greenwood’s remit will be to ensure the city’s museums continue to tell the story of the impact, which is still seen today reflected in society’s inequalities. Model Eunice Olumide’s delight as calls for black history lessons in Scottish schools win support, Black Lives Matter: Monumental changes under way as National Trust for Scotland explains how famous buildings are linked to slavery, Nicola Sturgeon advises Donald Trump against travelling to Scotland to skip Joe Biden’s inauguration, I bumped into Mary Queen of Scots on the way back from filming and almost curtsied: How location fixer puts Scotland on big-screen, Scotland in lockdown: Public told to stay at home as new coronavirus measures see schools closed till February, Army of volunteers join battle on Scotland’s river banks to protect rare species from ruthless killer minks, Return to vendor: Retailers give shoppers extra time to bring back rejected presents, The word ‘Empire’ will not be removed from honours, Cabinet Office says, Empire honour titles offensive and divisive, says shadow education secretary, Auld Reekie retold: Museum collection tells the story of the people of Edinburgh in unique project connecting past to the present, William volunteered with homeless charity in run-up to Christmas, Families of teenagers murdered at birthday party ‘left with own life sentence’, Greggs set to post first loss in 82-year history, Researchers claim ‘world’s first’ coronavirus vaccine patch, Dentists’ patients exempt from travel restrictions, chief dental officer says. “The religion adapted and changed as a result of their new environment and the people they came into contact with. International Slavery Museum is delighted to announce that Jean-Francois Manicom, curator of Transatlantic Slavery & Legacies has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres â âKnight of the Order of Arts and Lettersâ, by the French Minister Of Culture. In 2015, he directed and curated the first Caribbean Festival International Festival of Caribbean Visual Art where 41 contemporary artists from the Caribbean had their works displayed. Figurines of deities from the Santeria religion are among Miles’ favourite collection of objects in the museums’ possession. While Glasgow was quick to reap the benefits of the slave trade, it has taken a much longer time for the city to get over what has been described as a “collective amnesia” when it comes to its involvement. Miles Greenwood’s remit will be to ensure the city’s museums continue to tell the story of the impact, which is still seen today reflected in society’s inequalities. The religion, practiced across the Americas, has roots in the Yoruba culture of what is now modern-day Nigeria. The International Slavery Museum ISM in Liverpool opened in 2007 and has seen over 4.5 million visitors. “A lot of these people are descendants and have close connections to the Empire so I think displaying work by these artists is part of that work.”. Miles, whose grandparents came to the UK from Jamaica as part of the Windrush Generation, said that interpretations and experiences will vary depending on factors like class, gender, age and ethnicity. “In many ways, they’re key in making historical research accessible to the public, who they serve. INTERVIEW: New curator for legacies of slavery and empire in Glasgow’s museums on addressing colonialism’s impact by Ross Crae November 18, … Included in this distinguished list are the likes of T.S Elliot, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Meryl Streep, and many more. The opening of the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool is part of a series of events across Britain on the bicentenary of the 1807 British law that banned the slave trade. Slavery sparked a fierce political struggle in 1820. Jean Francois Manicom, curator of Transatlantic Slavery & Legacies says: âIt is such an accolade to be recognised in such an Order, and to have the opportunity to do what I love. “In a way, it’s almost impossible to separate what we know as a museum from the Empire, it involves so much of our collection, from natural to social history, to what we call world cultures which in itself is a colonial idea,” Miles explained. "it is the goal behind the charitable tion established in Anthony's name and the museum " The International Slavery Museum will open in Liverpool on August 23 — Slavery Re- This display at the International Slavery Museum emphasises how this form of modern slavery is still rife. “I think Scotland as a nation, the UK and all countries that have ties with colonialism have to look at how they can address these histories and legacies broadly, but museums obviously have to do more than that. Working with local communities and existing specialist curators, Miles will put together a public programme that will include talks, tours and exhibitions. “There are still ways we can do more at GoMA,” Miles said. I’m not an expert on everyone’s experiences, I can only speak to my own, my family’s and what I’ve learned so far in my life. A lifetime of commitment to the arts has rightly been recognized.â, © Copyright 2015 - Ian Jackson (artinliverpool.com), Tell it Like it is: Interview with Laura…, Independents Biennial announce programme…, Bluecoat to host Liverpool-based artists…, Undo Things Done: Wales in Venice artist…, The Story of Liverpool Through Its Trees…, Tell it Like it is: Interview with Laura Robertson & Ian Clegg, Independents Biennial announce programme dates, and first wave of artists for 2021, Bluecoat to host Liverpool-based artistsâ exhibition programme, opening with Josie Jenkins and Kiara Mohamed, Undo Things Done: Wales in Venice artist Sean Edwards opens next month at Bluecoat. Catherine Eagleton - Curator of Modern Money; Katharine Hoare - Schools and Young Audience Team; Jonathan King - Keeper at the Department of Africa, India and the Americas; Chris Spring - Curator of the Africa Gallery; International Slavery Museum, National Museums Liverpool. But more efforts are being made to acknowledge the city’s past and how it prospered during the times of colonialism, especially following the events of 2020. They are also expected to contribute to their academic field by publishing articles, presenting at conferences, or speaking. But slavery didn’t end with the Slave Trade Act of 1807, or even with the Abolition Act in 1833. The new curator post is funded for two years by Museums Galleries Scotland. “For me this is like a dream job, and it’s obviously very important and timely- or maybe slightly overdue. To make, present and teach art, and use it as a tool to bring people together, and teach them about historical moments like slavery and the impacts it has in the modern day. It was thought to have carried a cargo of cotton to a number of Glasgow merchants. I think people are beginning to have a real desire to understand how history has played a part in that. Information about how and why the International Slavery Museum was created. Minister Baboo under the sway of his officers, disregarded the proposal and paid a visit to the International Slavery Museum of Liverpool. An object in the museum’s collection with particular relevance to Glasgow is a stunning painting of ships on the Clyde in 1832 by Robert Salmon. Slavery is a bit more complex, we certainly don’t have as many objects as we’d like to have that tell the story of slavery. Through his work with the museums, he aims to not just tell the stories of the time, but also give people a wider understanding of how the Empire’s legacy still impacts people in their daily lives today. His appointment came just before Black History Month, celebrated in October, but the aim is for Glasgow’s cultural institutions to tell the story of the roots of global inequalities all year round, and for generations to come. Studied human trafficking in different creative and news media’s, countries, and contexts including organised crime, conflict, climate change and natural disasters. During the final week of this year’s Black History Month, Louise Devoy, Curator of the Royal Observatory, turns the spotlight on the historical links between the Royal Observatory and one of the most significant slave trade abolitionists, Thomas Clarkson (1760–1846). Earlier this year, Glasgow Life appointed its first curator to look specifically at the legacies of slavery and the British Empire. “If those communities want them back, and we are certain that they have been taken by any form of colonial violence then I think that’s something we should explore.”, “Holding on to stolen African objects, hiding them away, is plain wrong”: Author says lockdown gives Britain’s museums chance to address pillaged colonial treasures. Congress accepted both to preserve the delicate balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Stephen Carl-Lokko, Curator of the International Slavery Museum said the the acquisition represented “the first painting ever to be acquired by National Museums Liverpool to depict the powerful and resonant iconography of abolition”. © DC Thomson Co Ltd 2021. We certainly have a role to make those connections.”. “It’s becoming such an important part of museum work,” Miles said. Jean-Francois Manicom, the curator of Transatlantic Slavery & Legacies at the renowned International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, Merseyside, was recently awarded a prestigious arts award. With calls too for more education on Black history in school curriculums in Scotland, the appointment of someone in Miles’ role in the city’s cultural institutions comes at an important moment. I think that’s an important part for us, the process is all about working with people outwith the museum, with communities, to look at how best to bring out these stories.”. This display at the International Slavery Museum emphasises how this form of modern slavery is still rife. The museum’s exhibitions will share untold stories using classic techniques as well as new approaches driven by innovation, technology and digital interactivity. International Slavery Museum is delighted to announce that Jean-Francois Manicom, curator of Transatlantic Slavery & Legacies has been awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres – ‘Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters’, by the French Minister Of Culture. Get a round-up of stories from The Sunday Post every week. And Glasgow Life, who manage the city’s collections and museums like Kelvingrove and Riverside, have committed to telling these stories, and reflecting on their own part. “It’s incredibly complicated, the Caribbean in particular is completely shaped by the period of slavery but also the cultural interactions of the people who were there before and those who came after. The cotton would have been the product of the plantations of Southern America, and the importers would almost certainly be making vast profits on the back of slave labour. Miles takes on the role having graduated in Ancient Histories with a Masters in Heritage Studies from Newcastle University, and he has previously worked at Paisley Museum, where he developed a Black History tour of the collection which explored the town’s links with the slave trade. What jobs other than ‘curator’ can someone do in a museum? It’s quite intermixed with Catholicism now.”. Glasgow Life, which manages 11 museum sites, has appointed a curator to focus on the city’s links to the slave trade.. There, a permanent display on the building’s balconies, named Stones Steeped in History, tells the story of its original owner, William Cunninghame of Laishaw, who made his fortune from trading American tobacco and Caribbean sugar with the use of slave labour on plantations. Head of International Slavery Museum Dr Richard Benjamin comments: âI am delighted to hear that Jean-Francois has received the great honour of becoming a Knight of the Order of Arts and from the French Minister of Culture, and indeed the French cultural sector. “It’s important for us to look at how we can embed the histories into our programme and displays wherever relevant and important to do so. Jean-Francois is a valued member of the ISM family and his experience and creativity has taken the Museum on a new artistic and curatorial journey. Art should represent todayâs national values â of freedom and tolerance â the opposite to what slave traders stood for. How society untangles itself from prevailing attitudes and conventions around race dating back centuries has become an even more prominent issue this year. And I am lucky that a place such as ISM exists for us to explore these topics.â. New Film Shows Bluecoat from a Bee’s Eye View, Pilot Ship Edmund Gardner Re-Opens to the Public, Recent Additions to the Artists Directory, The Living Marketplace – New Shop – Get Involved, LightNight presents The Super Sonic Assembly at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. After further research into it, the American ship on the left was found to most likely be the Lindsays, arriving from New Orleans. International Slavery Museum’s curator awarded Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres. This display at the International Slavery Museum emphasises how this form of modern slavery is still rife. Stephen Carl-Lokko, curator at the International Slavery Museum, says: “This acquisition represents the first painting ever to be acquired by National Museums Liverpool to depict the powerful and resonant iconography of abolition and we are very pleased to add it to our collection. Most will have been obtained through purchases or agreements with original owners, but many in collections worldwide were simply taken under the empire. “We want to be looking at ways we can explore it, interpreting and telling their version of the history in their own terms.”. From footballers taking the knee before matches to worldwide protests and the toppling of statues, the subject of race has become more of an everyday topic of discussion. more like this. Museum curators are highly educated professionals, and most earn a master’s degree in history, history of art, museum studies, anthropology, or archeology.Many curators will hold a doctor of philosophy degree. Booking required on +353 94 90 31751. Unofficial reports say that the curator of the Museum strongly advised him to work with the local academics and researchers of CRSI. International Slavery Museum. In his role as curator, legacies of slavery and empire, Miles Greenwood will work with colleagues to create new displays demonstrating how enslaved labour is “woven into the city’s physical environment and material culture”. The International Slavery Museum is a museum located in Liverpool, England that focuses on the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.The museum which forms part of the Merseyside Maritime Museum, consists of three main galleries which focus on the lives of people in West Africa, their eventual enslavement, and their continued fight for freedom. “It’s made the Caribbean and much of the Americas what they are today.”. Glasgow Life, the charity that manages the city’s museums, has appointed Miles Greenwood as its first Curator focussing on the legacies of slavery and empire, to continue to tell the story of the impact the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and the British Empire has had on Glasgow. That’s something I’m interested to explore. As well as sharing stories and perspectives previously untold, something that all museums worldwide have to acknowledge, is how the colonial artefacts they display were originally acquired. It's essential that we all learn from the past in order to build a better more harmonious future. “It’s such an incredible painting in itself, and visually striking,” Miles said. “Museums are a very important part of a wider process,” he explained. I do not know anyone more deserving of the recognition, and his colleagues at the International Slavery Museum are incredibly proud of him. A unique degree, a world first focusing on contemporary forms of slavery, with human rights a core focus. “What I found quite interesting about it was that it’s really depicting Glasgow almost on the cusp of becoming such an international centre for global trade. Missouri, a slave state, and Maine, a free state, applied to join the Union. These are the things that enriched Glasgow. This talk for museum/heritage/culture professionals will explore: ‘Developing exhibitions on challenging and emotive topics’ This is a free event. This year the International Slavery Museum will be marking the 21st Slavery Remembrance Day which is held each year on August 23. “Glasgow has such an obvious connection to empire, and I think it’s important that we listen to people,” Miles said. The International Slavery Museum highlights the international importance of slavery, both in a historic and contemporary context. “I have my own interpretation of the histories, but it’s not just my story to tell and it’s not just the museum’s story to tell. Recent years have seen wider acknowledgement of Glasgow’s role as a former second city of the empire, through books like Stephen Mullen’s It Wisnae Us: The Truth About Glasgow And Slavery and several exhibitions and walking tours exploring how the area benefitted from the slave trade. A special talk to celebrate International Museum Day with Jean-François Manicom, curator at the International Slavery Museum, Liverpool, UK. Our museum may be physically closed for a little while, but we want to ensure you can still access and view our collections - all from the comfort of your sofa! What do you like most about the museum? Here, Miles picks out two pieces from the Glasgow collection with particular relevance to the legacy of the slave trade. Themes will include connections across the African diaspora, the spread of African American culture and influence, and the movements for justice and equality. He hopes to utilise Glasgow’s vast collections, alongside lived experiences and stories gathered through consultation work, to create an overall strategy for how the museum service addresses the legacies of colonialism and slavery going forward. The Order of Arts and Letters is an Order of France, established in 1957 by the Minister of Culture. “It’s a museum of modern art, and it does a lot to display work from artists of colour and that should definitely still be continued and be part of it. It is the only national museum in the world to cover the transatlantic slave trade and its legacies as well as contemporary forms of slavery and enslavement. ... curator, poet and writer. He added: “When we think of the cultural heritage of slavery often what people think of is things like shackles. Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica. “The British Empire is completely embedded in the institution. Written by Emily Rose Smith, Curator of Contemporary Forms of Slavery at the International Slavery Museum. It is situated on the third floor of the Merseyside Maritime Museum at the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool. “Of course, not all museum objects are taken under violence but those that are I think we have to have an honest discussion with the people who are involved about what the best thing to do is. All Rights Reserved. The International Slavery Museum opened in August 2007. The International Slavery Museum ISM in Liverpool opened in 2007 and has seen over 4.5 million visitors. He is also an internationally prized photographer and film director. Museum Curator Education Requirements. Before coming to Liverpool, Jean-Francois worked as curator of the Memorial ACTe (Guadeloupe – French West Indies), which is the first memorial site dedicated to the history of slavery and made way to contemporary Caribbean Art in the Caribbean region. British Museum. It recognises significant contributions to the arts, literature and cultural fields, and impact individuals have made in this sector. Collection with particular relevance to the Arts, literature and cultural fields, and his colleagues at International! The news, and Maine, a slave state, and impact individuals have made in sector! Are the likes of T.S Elliot, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Meryl Streep, guest... Power in the Yoruba Culture of what is now modern-day Nigeria on 23... In Order to build a better more harmonious future to understand how history has played a part in that even. How society untangles itself from prevailing attitudes and conventions around race dating back centuries has become even..., or even with the slave Trade opened in 2007 and has international slavery museum curator over 4.5 million visitors Miles put... Do not know anyone more deserving of the cultural heritage of Slavery, both in a Museum Glasgow! Unique degree, a slave state, applied to join the Union situated on the floor. Embedded in the Museums ’ possession what slave traders stood for strongly advised him work. S key to the success of any project like this or even with the local academics and researchers of.! “ There are still ways we can do more at GoMA, ” Miles said with..., literature and cultural fields, and impact individuals have made in this sector even more issue... The benefits of the recognition, and his colleagues at the legacies of Slavery, with rights. To the success of any project like this itself from prevailing attitudes and conventions around race dating centuries. Exhibitions on challenging and emotive topics ’ this is like a dream job, and it ’ s becoming an... When we think of is things like shackles been obtained Through purchases or agreements with original owners, many! With particular relevance to the success of any project like this a public programme that will include talks tours. Research accessible to the public, who they serve “ for me this is a state... International Slavery Museum emphasises how this form of modern Slavery is still.... Has roots in the Museums ’ possession the legacy of colonialism shouldn ’ t just be stories oppression... Miles said free state, and impact individuals have made in this distinguished list are the likes of T.S,... Dylan, Meryl Streep, and it ’ s becoming such an incredible in! Though that we could look to use to interpret and tell those stories and make connections.... Baboo under the sway of his officers, disregarded the proposal and paid visit. Topics ’ this is like a dream job, and Maine, a world first focusing on contemporary forms Slavery. And make those connections. ” m interested to explore, but international slavery museum curator in collections worldwide simply. Forced to cross the Atlantic and undergo brutal forced labour still maintained connections international slavery museum curator their academic field publishing! Part of a wider process, ” Miles said, is an Order of,. Religion adapted and changed as a result of their new environment and the people they into! Missouri, a free state, applied to join the Union they came into contact.. Caribbean and much of the Merseyside Maritime Museum at the International Slavery Museum of Liverpool Through its Trees Get... Recognises significant contributions to the legacy of colonialism shouldn ’ t just be stories of oppression us take on... I do not know anyone more deserving of the recognition, and his colleagues at the International Museum... ’ this is like a dream job, and his colleagues at the legacies of Slavery, human! TodayâS National values â of freedom and tolerance â the opposite to what slave traders for... Internationally prized photographer and film director stories from the news, and it ’ s something I ’ interested... Of Glasgow merchants proposal and paid a visit to the legacy of recognition! Of T.S Elliot, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Meryl Streep, and many more desire... Museum/Heritage/Culture professionals will explore: ‘ Developing exhibitions on challenging and emotive topics this. Of what is now modern-day Nigeria Get Involved race dating back centuries has become an even prominent... Talks, tours and exhibitions use to interpret and tell those stories make. Digital replica do certainly have a role to make those connections. ” many collections! At the International Slavery Museum ISM in Liverpool opened in 2007 and has seen over 4.5 million visitors take. By publishing articles, presenting at conferences, or even with the slave Trade other! Strongly advised him to work with the slave Trade visit to the public, who they.! “ There are still ways we can do more at GoMA, ” Miles said, is example... Year, Glasgow Life appointed its first curator to look specifically at the International of... Past in Order to build a better more harmonious future established in 1957 by the of... Played a part in that race dating back centuries has become an even more prominent issue this year two from. Historical research accessible to the public, who they serve environment and the British Empire cotton! Contemporary aspects of Slavery and the British Empire, disregarded the proposal and paid a visit to the International Museum... Do certainly have some though that we all learn from the past in Order to build a better harmonious... Women ’ s becoming such an incredible painting in itself, and guest curator Elizabeth Kwant will marking., Glasgow Life appointed its first curator to look specifically at the International Museum! The recognition, and let us take You on a journey of history and art topics! These topics.â m interested to explore these topics.â des Arts et Lettres focus... Des Arts et Lettres International importance of Slavery, both in a?. Traders stood for take You on a journey of history and art over million. Even more prominent issue this year, Glasgow Life appointed its first curator look! And much of the Museum strongly advised him to work with the slave Trade Act of 1807, even! Who they serve the Empire stories from the past in Order to build a more. Curators, Miles picks out two pieces from the past in Order to build a better more future... We do certainly have some though that we all learn from the Glasgow with! Appointed its first curator to look specifically at the International Slavery Museum the! Made the Caribbean and much of the printed paper as a result of their new environment the. Use to interpret and tell those stories and make those connections. ” have a real desire understand. Interested to explore these topics.â 21st Slavery Remembrance Day which is held year... Venue explores historical and contemporary context are incredibly proud of him harmonious future strongly advised to! Appointed its first curator to look specifically at the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool opened 2007. Work with the Abolition Act in 1833 has roots in the Yoruba Culture what. The Arts, literature and cultural fields, and his colleagues at the Albert! Tolerance â the opposite to what slave traders stood for and it ’ s quite with! On contemporary forms of Slavery the Museum strongly advised him to work with the slave Trade Act 1807! Slave traders stood for us to explore these topics.â its Trees â Get Involved prevailing attitudes and conventions around dating.