New exhibition at Braid Centre

Historian Dr Johnson McMaster (2nd left) who was the guest speaker at the opening of the On the Brink, The Politics of Conflict 1914-1916 Exhibition at the Braid Arts Centre, is seen here with, L-R, Mr Coleman of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Bernie Candlish (Head of Leisure, Culture & Arts), Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Cllr Billy Ashe, Philip Hudson (Director of Operations, Mid & East Antrim). INBT 13-107JC

Entitled ‘1916: Impact and Legacy’ the exhibition was welcomed by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Billy Ashe.

He said: “I am especially glad that an associated workshop programme for schools and community groups is examining these events and related themes as the exhibition tours local museum venues.”

Paul Mullan, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund NI commented: “Through the extensive programme of events, communities have been able to learn about these historic important events, which are still relevant today to our ideas of nationality and identity.

“The current exhibition marks another milestone for the project, as it brings together the Battle of the Somme and the Easter Rising and lets people explore the history and legacy of these two impactful events. We hope people enjoy and learn from the new exhibition. It is thanks to National Lottery players that we can help support projects such as these.”

Johnston McMaster, of the Irish School of Ecumenics and senior researcher with the ‘Ethical and Shared Remembering’ project, concluded the formal launch proceedings with a short talk.

During it, he emphasised the importance of critically examining events of 1916, so that we can understand how these histories are interconnected and therefore approach our centenary anniversaries in 2016 with greater understanding, tolerance and respect.

1916: Impact and Legacy situates the Battle of the Somme and the Easter Rising within a global framework of war and revolution a century ago. While it explores the immediate impact of both these events nationally and locally, it also highlights that rebellion occurred in other imperial territories in this year, as internal conflicts bubbled up and nationalism increased, often in reaction to war.

The exhibition also explores how both the Easter Rising and Battle of the Somme, as well as their commemoration, have shaped politics and identity locally and on the island of Ireland. A workshop programme for schools and community groups examining these events and related themes will also be delivered as the exhibition tours local museum venues.

For further information on the 1916: Impact and Legacy exhibition or on forthcoming workshops and Volunteer interpretative site tours, contact Maria Cagney, Museums Access Officer on 028 2563 5021 or [email protected]