Exhibition to chart journeys of Ukrainian refugees in Ayrshire

-Credit: (Image: Scottish Maritime Mesuem)
-Credit: (Image: Scottish Maritime Mesuem)


A new community exhibition charting the journey of Ukrainian refugees in Ayrshire is set to go on display at the Scottish Maritime Museum next month.

Secret of Success, created by members of the North Ayrshire Ukrainian community, will be the first community exhibition to feature in the museum’s Linthouse building when it opens on Thursday, October 3.

A free celebration evening will take place on opening night from 6pm to 8pm.

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The month-long exhibition was developed with the support of the museum team and artist Ellie Swanston.

It takes inspiration from Jules Verne, his visits to Scotland and his tales of journeys across the world taken by sea.

Through the medium of lino printing and storytelling, the Ukrainian contributors, who ranged from eight to retirement age, explore the notion of ‘adventure’ and their own journey across the world between Glasgow and Odesa in Ukraine.

Together, they reflect on the characters they encountered along the way, their search for understanding within multicultural communities and their current life in Irvine.

Accompanying the exhibition is an interpretative story which was written by one of the participants, Anna, and ties all the individual artworks together.

Anna felt the project had helped her integrate into the community in Irvine. She said: “Being a part of this exhibition has made me feel grateful for the existence of such projects in the UK.

“We all need more contacts and friends here and this exhibition helped me meet new, wonderful people.”

Exhibition artist Valentyna also reflected on the wellbeing benefits of working on the exhibition.

She said: “Our classes were very interesting to me; I could try different creative techniques and gain new ideas for my creativity.

“It was fantastic art therapy and it helped me cope with the enormous stress of moving for the seventh time in two years.”

The exhibition artists and participatory artist Ellie Swanston will also host a two hour lino printing workshop between 10.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday, October 5.

Jennifer Pless, community engagement and development officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum, said: “We are thrilled to work with members of the North Ayrshire Ukrainian Community once again and, this time, on the first major community exhibition we have hosted at the Museum.

“It has been so rewarding to see everyone work together to bring the story of their journey to Scotland and life here in Irvine to life, each contributing in ways that suited their interests and skills.

“Do the intrepid adventurers find their Secret of Success? Everyone will need to come and see the exhibition to find out.”

At the celebration opening evening guests will be able to take in the exhibition as well as hear a talk, ‘Legends of the Sea’ given by exhibition contributor Yevgen Koziy.

Yevgen will give an insight into Ukrainian culture, introducing authors who have a fascination with tales of the sea and explore the importance of Vikings in the country’s myths and legends. He will also look at Scotland’s influence on Ukraine’s shipbuilding industry.

Secret of Success runs from Thursday, October 3, to Thursday, October 31.

Entry to the exhibition is included in museum admission. Up to three children go free with each adult/concession ticket.

The lino printing workshop is suitable for 12 years and over and tickets cost £3, which includes a hot drink.

Booking is essential for both the opening celebration and lino printing workshop.

Tickets can be booked at www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org , by emailing communities@scotmaritime.co.uk , by phoning the museum on 01294 278 283.

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