Connecting Cultures in the North East



As part of BSDC’s ongoing relationship with Durham’s Oriental Museum, we arranged for a local, South Shields community group of Bangladeshi women and children to visit the museum’s new Bangladesh exhibition. Organising community group trips such as this ensures everyone has the opportunity to engage with the museum’s rich collection and help shape its development.

After spending the morning exploring the Oriental Museum, we took the group to Durham’s Botanic Gardens to share food, relax, and take part in creative activities. For most of the participants, it was their first time visiting both institutions. However, based on their positive feedback, it seems unlikely to be their last.


26-27
Credits
2026 to 2027



Oriental Museum


Once the group had settled in the museum with Chai and Indian sweets, BSDC dancer, Devika Rao, talked through the museum’s new Bangladesh exhibition. After taking some time to reflect on its content and offer feedback, staff from the Oriental Museum delivered a guided tour of the museum’s permanent collections, which Shila Laskar, a community organiser from South Shields, translated into Bengali.





“ I would love to come again with a group and talk more about shaping the exhibition, or even curating our own.

- Anonymous Group Participant ”






Led by Devika, the group talked creatively about the objects they own from Bangladesh, and the important roles they play in their day-to-day lives. Together, we discussed how these might form the basis of a new exhibition exploring the experiences of Bangladeshi immigrants today. The session ended with a traditional Bengali song, sung by one of the participants, which Devika and Shila responded to through improvised dance. The group also passed around peacock feathers and saris woven from silk, cotton, and bananas, from Devika’s personal collection. 




“ My jewellery, my saris - they all have personal stories attached. I think this would make for a beautiful exhibition.

- Anonymous Group Participant ”







Durham Botanic Garden


In the afternoon, we took the South Sheild Community Group on a short walk to Durham University’s Botanic Garden, arriving just in time for lunch. Having picnicked amongst the flowers and trees, Devika encouraged the group to pose with her saris, fans, and umbrellas, using gestures from traditional Indian and Bangladeshi dance. It was not long before the whole community group was involved, with several other visitors to the gardens joining in too.





“ This was a very good opportunity for our women and children to come out and have a lovely time here, which they don’t often get the chance to do because of their busy lives. It was refreshing and relaxing.

- Shila Laskar ”







Dancer

Devika Rao

 Photographers

Abigail McPeake
Meg Erridge

 Community Organisers

Devika Rao
Shila Laskar Oriental Museum 

Charlotte Spink
David Ellwood
Michael Conlin
Paddy Holland