Global Threads is part of the Cultural Olympiad’s Stories of the World - an innovative project that enables people of all backgrounds, from across the UK, to become 'curators' of the collections and objects held in museums, libraries and archives.
The exhibitions get young people working with curators, filmmakers, artists, writers and musicians to explore and reinterpret museum collections, giving a new perspective on the stories that tell us about our place in the world. Stories of the World features objects discovered in museum stores, important loans, special events, and collaboration with artists, musicians and performers. Themes include fashion, music, travel and immigration – all portrayed and described in original ways. There are around 1,500 young people involved and more than 50 museums across the UK. It is the biggest ever museum project, and provides a unique chance for the public to get involved and change the way they work for ever.
For Global Threads, Lancashire’s past, present and future is interwoven with links to Asia, the Caribbean and the American South through its cotton industry. This project takes a radical look at the international context of the region’s rich heritage of textiles and cotton mills. Throughout 2012, a series of innovative exhibitions, displays and projects will tell global stories and inspire artists and young people to create new work.
Highlights in the North West include:
COTTON: Global Threads
Bringing to life the global history of cotton through new work from contemporary artists and the textile collection.
11 February - 13 May 2012 Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester. Open Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun 2-4pm. Free
More Than Fashion
Young curators re-mix the18th and 19th century costume gallery, Age of Elegance, using digital media.
15 February - 19 May 2012 Gallery of Costume, Rusholme, Manchester. Open Weds-Sat, 1.30-4.30pm. Free
Global Threads: Asian Textiles and Fashion Today
Young curators mix historic South Asian textiles with today's catwalk, high street and student fashions.
Until 30 June 2012 Harris Museum & Art Gallery, Preston. Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm, except Tues 11-5pm. Free