A Proposal to Establish an Inter-Faith Exhibitions Service

Introduction

The world situation since 9/11 provides daily evidence of the dangers of extremism, isolation and estrangement between religious traditions and ethnic cultures. In the UK context it particularly highlights the need for better understanding of the Muslim communities, and for a greater multicultural approach in national life.

One Solution: Inter-Faith Exhibitions

Art offers a unique bridge between different cultures and religions:

• it attracts by its visual quality
• it offers a non-confrontational way of identifying similarities and differences
• it leads to the appreciation of creative achievements in different faiths.

Oxford University

Oxford University has exceptionally rich collections of religious art in its museums and libraries. The Ashmolean, the University's (and Britain's) oldest museum, is developing a series of exhibitions that explore the artistic representations of religious concepts in the different faiths of Asia and the Mediterranean world.

A Religiously Neutral Academic Base

A programme of inter-faith exhibitions requires:

• a neutral base
  
• proven academic integrity in the study of culture, religion and art
  
• a wide range of academic resources.

These are all available in Oxford.

The project has an Advisory Committee made up of specialists in the art of the different religions, drawn largely from the University.

It is linked to the Ashmolean Museum, with its experts in the art of the different faiths, its exhibition experience, and its active Education Service.

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