Leicester's 'Living Together' Exhibition Celebrates Community Voices
A powerful new exhibition titled Living Together has opened at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery, capturing the authentic voices of more than 100 residents who call the city home. Launched last month with a well-attended event, this community-focused project is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and aims to document the rich tapestry of life in Leicester.
Capturing Diverse Experiences
A dedicated team from the St Philip's Centre conducted in-depth interviews with 103 individuals, creating a comprehensive archive of personal stories. The participants represent a broad cross-section of Leicester's population: approximately one-third were born outside the UK, another third hail from other parts of the UK, and the final third are lifelong Leicester residents. These conversations have been meticulously recorded, archived, and are now being shared through multiple platforms.
Stories of Connection and Resilience
The interviews explore a wide range of themes, from personal freedoms to the unique aspects of urban life, reflecting both positive and challenging experiences. One poignant story comes from Barbara, who spoke about the unwavering support she received from friends and colleagues of different faiths during her cancer diagnosis. She credited this diverse network with giving her the confidence to face her recovery.
Another interviewee, Mezmin, a recipient of a Community Champions award for her work within a predominantly Hindu community, offered a powerful reflection: "It is not about your faith or culture or where you come from - it is about being a human." These narratives underscore the project's core message of shared humanity and mutual respect.
Preserving Leicester's Community Spirit
Revd Dr Tom Wilson, director of the St Philip's Centre, commented on the project's significance: "Leicester is well-known for its harmony and the ability of many communities to live well together. This project has documented and preserved the experiences that lie behind the cohesion and community spirit of the city." The exhibition serves as a testament to the everyday interactions that foster unity in one of the UK's most diverse cities.
Accessibility and Exhibition Details
The oral histories have been transcribed into a companion book, also titled Living Together, which is available for purchase at £10. All stories are freely accessible via the project's dedicated website. The community co-produced exhibition is now open in the Leicester Stories gallery and will run until May 24, 2026. Admission is completely free, encouraging widespread public engagement.
This initiative not only celebrates Leicester's present-day community bonds but also creates a valuable historical record for future generations, highlighting how dialogue and shared experiences continue to shape the city's identity.
