Threads of Connection
Reimagining Heritage Through Art,
Storytelling & Technology
A Revolutionary Approach to Cultural Heritage
Where History Meets Innovation
“Threads of Connection” is an innovative cultural collaboration between Heritage, Education and Art. Together with Manchester Museum, SODA (School of Digital Art) and Print City, the project transforms historical artefacts from the Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery into digital contemporary narratives.
This is not just an educational program — it’s a full-scale creative initiative that bridges heritage, digital innovation, and cross-generational storytelling. By connecting past and present, students and professionals, art and technology, the project demonstrates how cultural institutions can activate collections in meaningful, inspiring ways.
Why This Project Matters
The Power of Reimagined Heritage
Heritage becomes truly alive when objects transcend their historical context to inspire contemporary creativity. Our approach demonstrates that cultural artefacts are not mere relics but active participants in ongoing human narratives.
This methodology engages audiences across generations, creating meaningful connections between traditional wisdom and modern innovation. By positioning young creators as interpreters of historical objects, we foster deep cultural appreciation whilst developing essential creative and technical skills.
Living Heritage
Objects reveal their stories through creative reinterpretation, transforming static displays into dynamic conversations between past and present.
Cross-Generational Engagement
Our methodology bridges age gaps, creating meaningful dialogue between traditional knowledge holders and contemporary digital natives.
Educational Innovation
We merge education, technology, and cultural exploration to create immersive learning experiences that resonate with modern audiences.
Objects That Inspire
Each historical artefact becomes a portal to explore connections between past traditions and contemporary experiences, revealing universal human stories across time and culture.
Firefighter's Smart Jacket
This protective garment reveals stories of courage, community service, and technological innovation across centuries, inspiring modern interpretations of safety, heroism, and social responsibility.
Qing Dynasty Dragon Robe
Imperial silk embodying power, artistic mastery, and cultural symbolism. Students explore themes of authority, identity, and the relationship between clothing and social status in contemporary contexts.
Shoes for Bound Feet
These delicate shoes prompt profound discussions about beauty standards, cultural practices, and women's experiences, creating space for examining contemporary issues through historical perspective.
Creative Approach
Sudents work in small interdisciplinary teams, emulating professional creative studios. In this process integrates an Insight-Text-Image methodology to bring historical artifacts to life, focusing on a multi-stage creative journey:
Research & Context
Thoroughly researching historical and cultural context to gain deep insights into each artifact.
Narrative Development
Developing compelling narratives that humanize artifacts, connecting their past to contemporary experiences.
Experimentation
Experimenting with diverse forms of creative expression, including digital storytelling, 3D fabrication, and textile design.
Exhibition Production
Producing high-quality outputs for engaging public-facing exhibitions, both online and in physical galleries.
With the participation of
