ABSTRACT
Sofia Häggman and Brenda Cowan share the intentions, practical aspects, and unanticipated outcomes of the Stories From Syria exhibition at the Medelhavet Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities in Stockholm, Sweden. Their piece will illustrate how this highly participatory exhibition, developed and led by Sofia Häggman and Syrian immigrants and refugees across Sweden, illuminated stories of tragedy, love, loss, home, grief, and unity among the Syrian people through personal objects and stories, and how the uncertainty and risk involved in the exhibition’s making led to trauma healing through the psychological dynamics of giving, receiving, and gratitude. This piece will address the issues, considerations, and challenges leading up to and encountered throughout the creation of the project, including issues around diversity, trust, strategic planning, curation, purpose, unanticipated effects and perseverance in the face of myriad obstacles.
