Day 1 of the UK partner placement (Heba Alders, Egypt, ITP 2024)

Written by Heba Alders, Curator, Aswan Museum, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (Egypt, ITP 2024)

Greetings once again! Today marks a significant day for all the 2024 ITP fellows as we embark on journeys to new destinations to commence our 10-day placements at one of the British Museum’s partner institutions.

The night before, I found myself waking up several times, finally rising at 5 a.m. By 6 a.m., amidst the early morning light, I began the daunting task of packing my bag—a skill that has never been one of my strengths.

All my fellow ITP participants are buzzing with excitement for this new adventure. After spending three weeks together, forming bonds and sharing experiences, we gathered in my kitchen to prepare for the day ahead. Dinners have become a routine with Roqaya, Heba, Abdulrahman, and Nawa, adding a touch of familiarity to our shared journey.

As we waited for the taxi, heartfelt goodbyes were exchanged. Roqaya and Heba embraced me warmly, while Nawa and Abdulrahman came to see me off. And so, our journey began, with Zecheng, Richard, Sofia, Amelia, and myself setting off on the train to Norwich and the Norfolk Museums Service.

First, let me introduce you to the Norfolk Museums Service (NMS), established in 1974 through an agreement among Norfolk’s County and District councils. Comprising 10 museum sites across Norfolk, including the likes of Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse, and the Time & Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life, NMS plays a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing the region’s rich history.

Upon our arrival in Norwich, we were greeted by Sarah Gore, the Teaching Museum Manager at Norfolk Museums Service. After dropping off our luggage, we embarked on a captivating walking tour of Norwich led by Melanie Cook and Sarah. The city’s charm, tranquility, and rich history unfolded before us, painting a picture of a place both enchanting and peaceful.  I didn’t imagine how Norwich is charming, quiet, and peaceful.

Throughout the day, my fellows shared their experiences from other cities, fostering a sense of excitement and anticipation for the days ahead. The camaraderie and shared enthusiasm within our WhatsApp group only served to deepen the bond among us.

In the afternoon, we visited the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, where we were warmly welcomed by Jago Cooper, the Director of SCVA and I have to say that this visit stands out as one of the most enriching experiences I’ve encountered in the UK thus far, a testament to the marvels housed within these walls. It was marvelous to see how SCVA recognizes art as being ‘alive’. Jago shared insights into the museum’s history, galleries, and exhibition programs, highlighting the institution’s commitment to presenting art from diverse cultures on an equal platform. Jago told us about their digital experiences: Living Art and Sharing Stories audio experiences. Sharing Stories focuses on 11 key objects in the Sainsbury Centre collection and allows you to choose from various unique perspectives to hear about each object. And with Living Art, you will be asked to touch the art, listen to it and feel it.

I experienced how to be a work of art in the Living Area. I stood in a glass box to feel what it’s like to be trapped in a museum case and be watched by the work of arts.

To culminate our day, we had the pleasure of meeting Jo Warr, the Head of Development at NMS, we had a delightful dinner at the Waffle House. Amidst delicious food and engaging discussions, we reflected on the day’s experiences, marking a perfect end to our eventful day.