Kate Kennedy Centenary Exhibition
The Kate Kennedy Centenary Exhibition, which took place between 16 - 19 April 2026, was an ambitious, student-led project supported by the Kate Kennedy Trust, which celebrated the history of one of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø most distinctive traditions. Developed by a team of postgraduate students from our MLitt in Museum and Heritage Studies, the exhibition examined the origins and cultural significance of the Kate Kennedy Procession through engaging interpretation, carefully selected objects, and considered design, making complex histories accessible and compelling for visitors.
Particularly notable was the scale and pace of the work undertaken. Within just two months, significantly shorter than the typical exhibition development cycle, the team carried out the full process of research, curation, design and installation. The resulting exhibition was both polished and thoughtfully executed, illuminating an important aspect of the University’s heritage while also demonstrating the team’s creativity, professionalism, and collaborative achievement.
Project Manager, Abby Lowe, spoke of the process of bringing this event to life, noting "Along the way, we navigated the challenges of turning research into a public-facing exhibition, while learning a lot from each other’s ideas and perspectives. The final result not only invited visitors to reflect on what these traditions mean today but also highlighted the creativity and collaborative spirit of the student community."
Photo Credits: Abby Lowe, MHS MLitt student
Special thanks go out to all collaborators, whom without, this event wouldn't have been able to happen: Marlène Bärtschi, Whitley Dasinger, Grace Donovan, Izzy Freund, Angharad Jones, Abby Lowe, Emma Montague, Rowan Pelfrey, Chaney Phillips, Aglaïa Rozental, Charlotte Thompson, and Sarah Vacherias.
Many thanks also to our Global Sustainable Development MSc student, Amber Farram, for spotlighting the incredible work her peers have carried out.