Research Café – Religion, Culture and Community

This informal research café explores how cultural institutions and faith spaces can bring people together in increasingly polarised times.

As divisions deepen across society, these spaces play a vital role in building understanding, fostering dialogue and nurturing a shared sense of belonging. Over the past six years, Manchester Museum has developed its Manchester Museum Celebrates programme, rooted in collaboration and co-curation. Created in partnership with faith leaders, charities, community organisers and researchers, the programme has brought thousands of people together across the city in moments of connection, friendship and shared joy.

In the aftermath of the summer 2024 riots, institutions are reflecting more closely on their role in shaping public discourse. Against a backdrop of rising Islamophobia, Manchester Museum has hosted a community Iftar since 2019 and continues to expand its inclusive programme. Annual celebrations now include Lunar New Year, Vaisakhi, Africa Day, Diwali and Christmas, creating welcoming spaces for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Building on discussions at the Museums Association Conference 2025, Creative Manchester and Manchester Museum convene this follow-up conversation. The session includes an introduction to the context and history of the St George’s flag from Cathy Hirst of Manchester Cathedral.

Chaired by Nusrat Ahmed, Lead Curator of the South Asia Gallery at Manchester Museum, the panel brings together cultural professionals, researchers and community and faith leaders. Contributors include Sukhbir Singh (Manchester Sikh Foundation), Naz Asghar, Nidhi Sinha (Sangha and Greater Manchester Faith and Belief Panel) and Luciana Lang from the University of Manchester.

Together, they will examine why facilitating dialogue is so critical in moments of deep polarisation — and the important role cultural institutions and faith spaces can play.