Uncomfortable Truths project at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
See all news
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery have launched a project to uncover uncomfortable truths behind certain museum objects. Many object labels in museums do not tell the full story.
In collaboration with the museum, a group of UWE Bristol alumni and students have curated 'Uncomfortable Truths' a trail accompanied by a series of podcasts and object labels.
The trail reveals how objects were collected, what they represent, and the difficult pasts that are hidden behind them. Objects include a Benin bronze head, an Egyptian mummy, and a taxidermy rhino.
Graphic Design alum Stacey Olika worked as Project Assistant. Stacey's job was to coordinate activity, recruit students and encourage conversations as difficult questions of ownership and accountability were tackled. For Stacey the important things now is what happens next. “This conversation and this history is much bigger than us but little drops make a mighty ocean. We still have a long way to go but it is a first step of many to incite positive change.”
The museum is capturing audience response to this pilot project to inform a more long-term approach.
Watch Stacey's Instagram takeover to find out more.
Related news
03 September 2024
World-first rubies grown in situ from waste materials
A UWE Bristol researcher looks set to transform the jewellery industry after successfully growing the world’s first ruby in situ, in a platinum ring.
28 August 2024
Funding opportunities and information events announced for 'Immersive Arts'
Immersive Arts, a UK-wide programme to support artists to make and share extraordinary immersive work, has unveiled its first round of funding opportunities.
20 August 2024
UWE Bristol art and design students explore diverse global issues at MA Degree Show
UWE Bristol’s Showcase: MA Degree Show returns to Spike Island on 5 September, featuring the extraordinary artwork of around 50 graduating students.
17 July 2024
Chief executive of charity that runs Bristol Beacon receives honorary degree
The chief executive of the charity set up to manage Bristol Beacon, the renowned music venue in the city, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
16 July 2024
Watershed chief executive recognised with honorary doctorate from UWE Bristol
The chief executive of one of Bristol’s leading cultural organisations has been awarded an honorary doctorate.
15 July 2024
Graduate filmmaker wins BAFTA Student Award for documentary
Nyal Mueenuddin, a UWE Bristol graduate, has won a prestigious 2024 Yugo BAFTA Student Award – a global competition which celebrates the next generation of talented and innovative storytellers.
08 July 2024
UWE Bristol students share powerful refugee and migrant stories
A new podcast ‘Wisdom from the Global Majority’ tells the stories of both migrants and refugees in Bristol through their own words.
26 June 2024
Water security and climate action to be explored through theatre with communities
UWE Bristol will support an international research project that will embed theatre practice to work with less heard communities who face water insecurity.
05 June 2024
Outstanding success for student filmmakers
Held in London, the third-year students came away with an unprecedented eight awards at the Kodak/Nahemi Student Commercial Awards.
04 June 2024
Urban places and spaces should be accessible for all, says UWE Bristol student
Student Emily Annakin is hoping to land her dream job, using her own experience of visual impairment to design inclusive urban spaces.
24 May 2024
Creative industry leader appointed new Chancellor of UWE Bristol
A leader in the UK’s creative industries, Sir Peter Bazalgette, has been appointed the new Chancellor of UWE Bristol.
22 May 2024
Academic retraces footsteps of Victorian photography pioneer behind Led Zeppelin album cover
A UWE Bristol researcher has used old-fashioned photography methods to recreate images by a Victorian photographer noted for taking an iconic photo that became a Led Zeppelin album cover.