Clare’s Sikh community in Chester Beatty Library project

A NUMBER of members of the Sikh community from County Clare are featured in a photographic and life history project, which is currently on view at the Chester Beatty Library in the grounds of Dublin Castle.

A Sikh Face in Ireland is a multimedia exhibition produced and supported by the Forum on Migration and Communications ( FOMACS) in collaboration with photographer/oral historian, Dr Glenn Jordan, and researcher, Satwinder Singh.
The project has been defined – in the context of a conversation with members of the Irish Sikh Council and FOMACS – as a contribution to anti-racist education and transcultural understanding.
Catherine Manley of FOMACS said that many of the participants are living in Clare, particularly in Sixmilebridge, Cratloe and Shannon.
“A Sikh Face in Ireland is the first systematic exploration of the Sikh presence on the island of Ireland – providing both a profile of the present and a social and cultural history of Sikh immigrants and their descendants. The exhibition illustrates that ‘being a Sikh’ is not a homogeneous experience; that people from similar backgrounds may live their identities in different ways. More generally, it explores the lived experiences and narratives of people often perceived as other by members of the general public – especially since 9/11,” Catherine commented.
She explained that this project has brought Sikh people from all parts of the country together to represent themselves at a national level.
“The individuals involved carry a great sense of pride and their involvement in the project is also a huge source of pride for them. It is the fruits of a two-year research project following the lives of the Sikh community in Ireland. FOMACS is a creative and cultural industries hub with a commitment to researching and producing media in the service of social justice,” she added.
Catherine further explained that A Sikh Face in Ireland is the first systematic exploration of the Sikh presence on the island of Ireland – providing both a profile of the present and a social and cultural history of Sikh immigrants and their descendants.
“A series of parallel events have formed part of the intercultural programme, including photographic portraits accompanied by life stories; a short film on How to Tie a Turban; a photographic and sound installation featuring contemporary Sikh musicians; an exhibition catalogue comprising essays, photographs and extensive life stories in English and Punjabi; an interactive website designed for use in diverse educational settings, in addition to public workshops,” she said.
The exhibition will be on view at the Chester Beatty Library until July 18 and FOMACS to bring the exhibition to other locations, including Clare, in the autumn.