Sharing in the Success of ‘Celebrating Ganesha’
Claire Messenger, International Training Programme Manager
Key to the success and sustainability of the International Training Programme (ITP) is fulfilling the principle aim of ‘networking’ on a global level. With ITP alumni now totalling 253 fellows from 39 countries, essential to the core objectives of the programme are the legacy projects and personal relationships we are developing around the world.
Manisha Nene, Joyee Roy and Neil MacGregor at the ITP 2011 patrons’ reception
In 2011, Manisha Nene, Asst. Director (Gallery) at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CMSVS) Mumbai, supported by the Charles Wallace India Trust, attended the ITP. Her final exhibition proposal project, Visions of Ganesha, clearly demonstrated her knowledge of her own culture, her museum/heritage experience and the skill-set developed while here on the ITP summer programme. Subsequently, the British Museum invited Manisha to join us again in London to develop her original concept into an exhibition for the British Museum’s Room 3 – the Asahi Shimbun Displays. Manisha’s project was transformed into From temple to home: celebrating Ganesha and from February to May 2014 was seen by 62,480 visitors.
The exhibition was then developed, by our National Partnerships team, into a Spotlight Loan which is currently touring the UK and has attracted over 500,000 visitors. Now at its 8th venue – Manchester Museum – until 8 January 2018, it is part of the British Museum’s South Asia Season marking the 70th anniversary of Indian independence, and the emergence of India and Pakistan as independent nation states. And of course 2017 is India-UK Year of Culture, a year-long programme of events demonstrating the close ties between the two countries.
Generously supported by the Dorset Foundation, Celebrating Ganesha will travel to its final venue, Wardown Park in Luton, early in 2018.
We’d like to say thank you and congratulations to Manisha – and CSMVS Mumbai – for her original proposal which has inspired such a successful and rewarding touring show.
http://www.museum.manchester.ac.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/upcomingexhibitions/celebratingganesha/