Board of Deputies announces major UK venues for country’s first Jewish Culture Month
Some of the UK's leading cultural institutions will be among more than 100 institutions taking part in the celebration, which runs from mid-May to mid-June
A wide range of the country’s most significant cultural institutions have been announced as participants in the UK’s first ever Jewish Culture Month, including the British Museum, the National Portrait Gallery, the Tate and the V&A South Kensington.
The month, which is being launched by the Board of Deputies, is set to feature more than 100 events over the period running from Saturday 16 May to Tuesday 16 June – the Jewish month of Sivan. Participating venues, which also include the British Library, the Freud Museum and the London archives, are not limited to the capital, with other institutions taking part including the Manchester Museum, the Whitworth, the Museum of Liverpool and the Bodleian libraries, as well as locations in cities including Norwich, Brighton and Nottingham. Events are set to include, talks, workshops, tours and screenings.
The month has received backing from Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who said that she was “look[ing] forward to its success among people of all faiths and communities.”
The idea of a Jewish Culture Month has been a longstanding pledge from the Board’s President, Phil Rosneberg, who has regularly spoken about his desire for “less oy and more joy”.
In today’s announcement, he described how the forthcoming Jewish Culture Month would “celebrate the contribution made by Jews across the UK…after a few difficult years for the Jewish community.
“We want both Jewish people and our friends and neighbours of different faiths and beliefs to experience all the light, creativity and laughter of Jewish life in the UK.
Sir Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, said: “ As one of the world’s leading museums of art, design and performance, the V&A is a proud participant in the inaugural Jewish Culture Month.
“We look forward to welcoming people to our events and displays, celebrating the rich and unique history of British Jewish culture.”
Jewish actress Tracy Ann Oberman said: “The UK Jewish community has given so much to art and culture in the UK.
“This month-long celebration will be a wonderful opportunity to share some of our greatest hits. I hope the initiative only grows and grows.”
Last year the Board hired Liat Rosenthal, a former curator at the Tate Modern, to be the director of Jewish Culture Month. Rosenthal described how the month long programme “will showcase the richness and diversity of Jewish culture in all its forms.”
People can view the Jewish Culture Month website here.
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