Spectacular Asia Exhibition Open In Leeds

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A stunning new gallery showcasing Asian culture in all its wonder and colour will be unveiled at a popular Leeds museum.

In what is the first major gallery refresh at the museum since its opening in 2008, the fantastic sounds, diversity and culture of Asia was revealed as part of the ‘Voices of Asia’ Exhibition, which opened its doors to the public in April 2014 at Leeds City Museum.

Sitting on the first floor of the museum in the World View Gallery, visitors have the chance to enjoy and take an unforgettable journey through seven major themes. These include; Faiths & Festivals; Trade & War; Fashion & Style; Music, Dance, Theatre & Film; Eating Out & Eating In and Faith in Focus.

Featuring in all of the themes are a variety of interesting and diverse objects and pieces taken from the Leeds Museum and Galleries collections and also a wide range of donations from the Asian community, partners and city universities. The displays include a friendly Chinese New Year tiger puppet, a model of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, a huge Chinese temple gong and two painted marble statues, of the Hindu deities Krishna and Radha, purchased from Leeds Hindu Temple. Hello Kitty makes an appearance and some old fashioned rag dolls from Gujarat. As part of the first Faith in Focus, the many facets of Hinduism are also showcased and celebrated.

Researched and developed by the Leeds Museum and Galleries team, who have worked closely with a wide range of local community groups and organisations including South Asian Arts UK, Leeds Hindu Mandir, Hamara, Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Leeds Asian Blind Association and Shantona at Leeds Museum and Galleries, ‘Voices of Asia’ replaces the acclaimed ‘Out of Africa’ gallery which displayed the city’s African collections.

The title ‘Voices of Asia’ was deliberately chosen to represent the many Asian communities that live within the city, the different languages spoken in the continent, and the passion for contemporary film that is incorporated in the new displays. The displays, which have been planned in partnership with local Asian community groups as part of an Advisory Network, will stay in the space for around five years, but will change annually to reflect different projects, themes and world faiths.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for leisure and skills said:

“We are very excited to have opened the new ‘Voices of Asia’ display at Leeds City Museum, which incorporates seven different themes, promising to be a really fantastic place for all the family to visit and enjoy.

“Our Leeds Museum and Galleries team has worked closely with the local Asian community to capture the unique and sights and sounds of their culture and traditions, and we hope the authenticity of the display will really shine through for visitors.”

Antonia Lovelace, curator of world cultures at Leeds Museums and Galleries said:

“As Curator of World Cultures the idea for Voices of Asia has been with me for ages, ever since we opened the World View gallery and I suggested we have Africa up for five years and then switch to Asia.

“Leeds has great Asian collections and as I’ve been working as curator since 1997, I have grown to know and love them well. In 2008 we did the big Chinese Treasures project with Leeds Chinese community, and since then we have also worked with many other British Asian communities across the city, especially the joint work I’ve done with the Community History Team.

“I enjoy most the opportunity to work with and learn from the members of these different communities, and also the handling, photography and research work that curators focus on. Last year I also had a grant from the British Council for a study trip to India, and was able to visit museums in five cities, attend the amazing camel fair at Pushkar, walk around the ancient town of Jaisalmer where Leeds’ large merchant door comes from, and learn loads about Indian textiles, crafts and faiths.”

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