The Value of Participatory Arts in Historic Houses - delivered in collaboration with the QUB Centre for Public History

The 'Value of Participatory Arts in Historic Houses' project explored how creative participation can transform people's relationships with historic houses by placing communities at the centre of heritage interpretation. Delivered by ArtsEkta in partnership with the National Trust and Queen's University Belfast at Mount Stewart, the project brought together artists, local residents, culturally diverse communities, researchers and heritage professionals to explore stories of identity, migration, global connections and belonging through creative practice.

Rather than viewing historic houses solely as monuments to the past, the project demonstrated how they can become living cultural spaces where contemporary communities contribute new perspectives and interpretations. Through artist-led workshops, storytelling, visual arts, dialogue and co-creation, participants engaged with Mount Stewart's collections, landscapes and histories, creating opportunities to connect personal experiences with shared heritage.

Nisha is the founder & director of ArtsEkta - one of the only organisations on the island of Ireland promoting intercultural arts, culture and heritage and a vibrant social enterprise. She founded this organisation in 2006 following two decades of experience in the arts and after discovering a critical gap for quality ethnic minority arts engagement in the sector. She holds a degree from the National School of Drama in New Delhi. She has also been a previous board member of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Cultural Cities Enquiry and currently serving Board member on Community Relations Council

In 2007 she initiated Northern Ireland's first multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary arts festival Belfast Mela now attracting annual audiences of up to 60,000 people for full week Festival. At the early stages of her career, she worked across different roles in the private sector and as a freelance artist.

In June 2014, Nisha was the first Asian women from Northern Ireland to be awarded the prestigious UK Asian Women of Achievement Award for contribution to arts culture and heritage, and later that month was awarded an OBE for services to the minority ethnic sector in the 2014 Queen's Honours List. In 2015, Nisha won the British Indian Award for 'Indian Spirit in the Community' presented by Trade Next and BDO. Nisha has also been awarded the Chief Officers Third Sector award for Leading Growth & Innovation in 2016.In 2023 Nisha received an Honorary doctorate from Queens University for service to the communities. She also won an outstanding achievement award of MRANI in 2023.

Please note that this event takes place in a room which does not have step-free access. To request a change of location, please email cbrockbank01@qub.ac.uk. To request online access, please email phanley03@qub.ac.uk.

Refreshments, drinks and snacks will be provided . We look forward to seeing you there!

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Description supplied by the event organiser.