North Lincolnshire Museum

Historic Exhibition Bridges Communities at North Lincolnshire Museum

By Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery Team

From Tuesday 2nd December to Saturday 6th December, the North Lincolnshire Museum hosted a landmark cultural exhibition curated by Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery, drawing diverse audiences from across the United Kingdom — from school children and families to academics, interfaith representatives, civic leaders and public services. The exhibition showcased rare Islamic heritage artefacts, inviting conversation, education and meaningful reflection on history, culture and shared humanity

Visitors described the experience as uplifting, inspiring and deeply educational, engaging with objects that sparked curiosity and encouraged interfaith understanding. Many left handwritten feedback, video testimonials and heartfelt messages, expressing admiration for the project and its contribution to cultural preservation

This exhibition flourished through exceptional support, guidance and dedication from key individuals who played a crucial role in making the event possible — opening doors, building networks and devoting time and effort to its success.

First and foremost, recognition is given to:

• Kathryn Spence – Community Curator, North Lincolnshire Museum (lead hard-work and coordination)

Followed by individuals whose contributions strengthened delivery, outreach and community engagement:

• Abid Khan – Chairman, Interfaith Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire

• Sheikh Ilyas – Community Faith Leader

• Hafiz Yusuf – Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery Team

• Hafiz Omar – Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery Team

• Kate West – North Lincolnshire Council / Cultural Futures Manager

• Hannah Karnharn – Cultural Futures Programme, Irving Patrick

Their collective effort, alongside museum staff, created an environment of hospitality, organisation and community cohesion throughout the event

Honoured Guests, Institutions & Delegations in Attendance

Faith, Civic & Community Representation

• Mother Kate – St. George’s Church

• Rev. Philip Brent – St. Lawrence’s Church

• Cllr. Mashook Ali – Councillor, Scunthorpe Town Ward (Labour)

• Sir Nic Dakin – MP for Scunthorpe (Labour)

Law Enforcement & Public Service

• Jonathan Jones – Regimental Support Officer, British Army

• PC Mansoor Gull – Community Cohesion, Humberside Police

• HMP Prison Officers in attendance

• Trainee Humberside Police Officers

Health, Education & Research Bodies

• Farzana Khanum – Public Health Officer, North Lincolnshire Council

• Dr. Stephanie Codd – Former Programme Leader for English & History (University of Lincoln)

• North Lincolnshire Post-Graduate Research Group

• Workers’ Education Association – Louth

• North Lincolnshire Sanctuary Group

• Museum Makers – Adults with Additional Needs

• Home Schooling Groups – North Lincolnshire

Schools & Colleges

• Trent View College

• Coritani Academy

Media Coverage

• Amanda White – BBC News

The exhibition gained national visibility through BBC Breakfast Morning Reel, followed by coverage on BBC North Lincolnshire television, and a published BBC online article, leading to a significant increase in public attendance. Many attendees stated it was their first time visiting the museum — a testament to the power of heritage events in opening new doors and engaging wider demographics

As visitors left, they carried with them a renewed appreciation for cultural preservation, interfaith connection and community unity. The atmosphere reflected the core vision of Kiswa Arts & Culture Gallery: to protect heritage, educate society and ensure that history lives on in hearts and minds for generations

#scunthorpe #museum #heritage #fyp #viral 

North Lincolnshire Museum Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery Exhibition Highlights

Opening Ceremony speech by Hafiz Yusuf Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery

Feedback recieved from Hannah Irving (Cultural Futures Grant)

Abid Chairman Interfaith Group North Lincoshire Opening Ceremony

Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery on BBC News - This coverage brought in 100's of attendees to North Lincolnshire Museum

BBC North Breakfast show North Lincolnshire Museum Kiswa Exhibition

Madeline Grey Feedback North Lincolnshire Museum

Adam (Archeologist ) North Lincolnshire Museum Feedback

Jenny Social History Curator North Lincolnshire Museum

Norman Sharing some feedback on the kiswa event at North Lincolnshire Museum

Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery kiswa exhibition set up

Sir Nicholas Dakin Labour MP for Scunthorpe sharing some feedback on the Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery exhibition in North Lincolnshire Museum

Sir Nicholas Dakin (MP Scunthorpe - Vice Chamberlain of HM Household sharing feedback on Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery kiswa exhibition

Katheryn Spence Community Curator (North Lincolnshire Museum) - Providing feedback on Kiswa Arts and Culture Gallery exhibition in North Lincolnshire Museum

Written Testimonial from Kathryn Spence North Lincolnshire Museum

Written Testimonial from PC1264 Manny Gul