People at the Heart of MultakaOxford: Building Connections Through Community Projects

For over four years, MultakaOxford has been powered by the dedication of its volunteers: a diverse group of over 150 individuals who have collaborated to develop impactful projects that foster community connection.

In a recent session at the Museum Learning Summit, Jumana Hokan from the Pitt Rivers Museum, Helen Pooley from the History of Science Museum, and Oksana Nosenko, a MultakaOxford volunteer, showcased two compelling case studies from the past year.

These projects exemplify how Multaka facilitates intercultural dialogue and collaborative creation through exhibitions, events, and workshops.

Case Study 1: ‘Pieces of Me’ – Celebrating Palestinian Culture

The Pieces of Me project brought together Palestinian communities in the UK and textile artists from the al-Am’ari Women’s Programme Centre in the Ramallah refugee camp.

Through partnerships with the Oxford Ramallah Friendship Association and the Palestine History Tapestry Project, the initiative celebrated Palestinian heritage, with a particular focus on the traditional art of tatreez embroidery.

The project unfolded over several months and centred on four key areas:

• Research and Collections: Palestinian artists pre-selected objects from the Pitt Rivers Museum’s extensive collection, which they examined during their visit. Photographs of the objects were shared with elders in Ramallah, who offered critical cultural and historical insights into stitching techniques and their regional significance.
• Tatreez Workshops: Workshops were held in Oxford, where artists taught the intricate craft of tatreez to groups of women from local charities and the general public. The workshops highlighted tatreez not only as an art form but also as a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation.

• Film: A commissioned film documented the group’s work and included interviews with elders who had lived through the Nakba. The film captured the community’s history, resilience, and the ongoing significance of the Women’s Programme Centre.
• Exhibition and Display: The project culminated in a pop-up exhibition at the Pitt Rivers Museum, featuring Palestinian objects, embroidery, photographs, and the commissioned film. The display provided visitors with an immersive journey through Palestinian culture, connecting past traditions with contemporary narratives.

This collaborative approach demonstrated the museum’s role as a platform for cultural storytelling, amplifying community voices and preserving heritage in meaningful ways.

Case Study 2: The School Box Project – Teaching Migration Through Co-Creation

The School Box Project was developed in partnership with Church Cowley St James Primary School in Oxford, addressing a need for engaging resources to teach social justice and migration to Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils.

Multaka volunteers, drawing on their lived experiences, co-created educational boxes that told the stories of fictional characters from different cultural backgrounds.

Key Highlights:

• Cultural Representation: The project included sensory, tactile items representing Ukrainian, Namibian, and Syrian cultures. Highlights included Ukrainian vyshyvanka (embroidered shirts), Motanka dolls, Namibian bracelets, and Arabic lullabies recorded in sound boxes.
• Hands-On Learning: By sharing authentic objects and stories, the boxes challenged stereotypes and introduced themes such as sustainability and environmental conservation. For instance, one fictional character worked with a cheetah conservation charity, sparking meaningful conversations about wildlife protection.
• Engagement and Impact: The boxes were used both in mainstream primary schools and special education settings, such as Iffley Academy in Oxford. Pupils responded enthusiastically, connecting with familiar scents, sounds, and objects while developing a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.

For volunteers such as Oksana Nosenko, a former primary school teacher from Ukraine, the project offered a valuable opportunity to share her heritage while gaining experience within the UK education system.

A Volunteer-Led Approach

Central to MultakaOxford’s success is its volunteer-led ethos. Volunteers are encouraged to shape projects, bringing their ideas and experiences to the table. This collaborative model ensures that the programme remains dynamic, relevant, and empowering for all involved.

“The museum is not dictating what volunteers do – it’s a conversation. Volunteers lead, and we work together as a team to bring their ideas to life.”

A Lasting Impact

Both Pieces of Me and the School Box Project underscore MultakaOxford’s commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where communities can share their stories, art, and histories.

By prioritising collaboration and mutual learning, these initiatives serve as models for how museums can engage meaningfully with communities while amplifying underrepresented voices.

Looking ahead, MultakaOxford continues to build on these successes with ongoing partnerships and the development of a digital exhibition, ensuring the work remains accessible to audiences worldwide.

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Jumana Hokan from Pitt Rivers Museum, Helen Pooley from History of Science Museum and Oksana Nosenko from MultakaOxford spoke at the Museum Learning Summit 2024.