Polish Community Invited to Assist in Curating Local Exhibition

Local members of the Polish community are invited to take up an exciting opportunity this month, getting involved with designing a community exhibition at the National Civil War Centre.

At 6.15pm on Monday 16 and 23 September, Polish residents living in Newark and Sherwood are invited to attend sessions at the National Civil War Centre to help create this new and exciting exhibition. Places can be booked at no cost through the Palace Theatre Newark website www.palacenewark.com with the aim of curating an exhibition that is community-led.

This project is part of Open Doors, a three-year programme of events organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council and funded by Arts Council England. Its aim is to increase creative opportunities for young people and under-served groups and become a focal point for culture across Newark and Sherwood.

Daniel and Wiki are two participants who have been involved in the creation of the Polish Community Exhibition and said: “It is fantastic to celebrate Polish culture here in our area and work with Open Doors to create an exhibition in this way. I would encourage other Polish locals to register interest and take up this wonderful opportunity.”

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture, and the Arts, echoed this sentiment and praised the positive role that the Polish Community have within Newark and the wider district: “Our district is a colourful and varied web interlinking so many different experiences and backgrounds. This exhibition will offer the chance to gain a valuable insight into the stories and perspective of our Polish neighbours and I would really encourage as many people as possible to step forward and have their voices heard so that we can learn from you.”

The National Civil War Centre and Open Doors are also asking members of the public to loan items for display that reflect Polish culture in the town and district. Those that spark most interest and discussion will be on display in the exhibition, but all items put forward will be added to a digital display on the National Civil War Centre website. Contact Open Doors’ team member Liam at Liam.Skillen@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk for more details and to obtain a form to register your items.

The exhibition, shaped by the attendees of the sessions, is expected to be open to the public from late October through to the new year. More updates on the exhibition will be posted on the National Civil War Centre’s social media: @NationalCivilWarCentre on Instagram; @civilwarcentre on X; National Civil War Centre on Facebook.