Stories That Made Us: Roots, Resilience & Representation - A Celebration In Focus & In Sound

Sunday 24 May 2026 | 12pm-4pm Show all dates and times

A day-long celebration marking the culmination of the Stories That Made Us – Roots, Resilience, Representation exhibition.

Book Online | FREE*

*Admission is free with event ticket | Workshop sessions must be booked online in advanced

A day-long celebration marking the culmination of the Stories That Made Us – Roots, Resilience, Representation exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. The programme brings together photography, music, and storytelling to honour the communities, histories, and creative practices at the heart of the exhibition.
 

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Programme Contributors:

• Hardish Virk — Artist, Curator, and Archivist
• Mahendra Patel — Musician and Workshop Facilitator
• Ayesha Jones — Photographer and Community Producer
• Indy Donald - Artist and Workshop Facilitator
   

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Event Programme:

Exhibition Engagement with Hardish Virk | 12pm-3pm | For all ages | FREE | Drop in
Hardish Virk, exhibition artist, curator, and archivist, will be available throughout the day to meet visitors, answer questions, and offer insights into the exhibition’s themes.

Found‑Poetry Workshop | 12pm-3:30 pm | For all ages | FREE | Drop in
The Found-poetry workshop led by artist Indy Donald uses archival materials and crafting materials to explore visitors’ personal stories and their connections to the exhibition’s themes.

Stories That Made Us: Pop Up Photo Studio | 12pm-3pm (30 minute sessions) | For ages 15+ | FREE | Book Online
Join artist and photographer Ayesha Jones for a pop-up portrait studio exploring the stories that shape us. Take part in a collaborative photography and storytelling activity, creating portraits alongside sharing memories, family stories, and reflections from childhood and everyday life.

Drumming Therapy with Mahendra Patel | 12.30pm-1.30pm & 1.30pm-2.30pm | For all ages* | FREE | Book Online
*Anyone aged under 16 will need to be supervised by a parent or guardian aged 18+
Discover the power of rhythm - Reduce stress, enhance wellbeing and build connections.
The day will conclude with a group performance featuring workshop participants, followed by a special performance by Mahendra and his drummers.

Exhibition Tour with Hardish Virk | 2pm-3pm | For all ages | FREE | Book Online
Join a guided tour with Hardish Virk and explore the exhibition’s themes, stories, and archival materials.
 

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Event Timings:

12pm	Herbert Art Gallery & Museum opens
12pm-3pm	Exhibition Engagement with Hardish Virk (Drop in)
12pm-3pm	Portrait Sessions with Ayesha Jones (Book online)
12pm-3.30pm	Found-Poetry Workshop with Indy Donald (Drop in)
12.30pm-1.30pm	Drumming Therapy with Mahendra Patel (Book online)
1.30pm-2.30pm	Drumming Therapy with Mahendra Patel (Book online)
2pm-3pm	Exhibition Tour with Hardish Virk (Drop in)
3pm-4pm	Performances