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.

Project Vision

The core idea is simple: heritage is not static. Through art, digital storytelling, and experimental design, museum objects can become catalysts for dialogue, creativity, and public engagement. Threads of Connection reinterprets textiles and artefacts to uncover human stories, cultural memory, and future possibilities.

Key objectives include

Transforming historical artefacts into contemporary narratives

Encouraging cross-cultural and intergenerational dialogue

Showcasing how universities, museums, and creative leaders can co-create impactful, public-facing projects

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.

Project Leadership

Meet the visionary team driving this innovative cultural collaboration, bringing together expertise in creative practice, education, and curatorial excellence.

Katerina Karp

Creative Director

Award-winning artist pioneering the Insight–Text–Image methodology, Katerina brings decades of experience in transforming cultural narratives through innovative creative practices and digital storytelling techniques.

Debbie Bandara

Academic Lead

Award-winning artist, creative producer, lecturer at SODA, Debbi provides essential mentorship and creative production guidance, ensuring students develop both technical skills and cultural sensitivity throughout the project.

Hazel Ng

Cultural Producer

Manchester Museum producer specialising in Chinese cultural heritage, Hazel ensures authentic representation and cultural integrity whilst facilitating meaningful connections between historical artefacts and contemporary interpretation.

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.

Impact and Outcomes

Sccess is measured not only by the final artefacts but by the depth of engagement, creativity, and the connections forged between students, institutions, and audiences.

Public Engagement

Meaningful interaction with museum artefacts both on-site and online.

Student Development

Practical experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and creative production.

Cultural Innovation

Demonstrates a replicable model for future heritage activation projects.

Portfolio & Visibility

Students leave with professional-quality work and public exposure.

With the participation of



To connect

Katerina Karp

Creative Director
Email: katerina.karp.100@gmail.com
LinkedIn: @katerina-karp-creative-marketing



Debbie Bandara

Academic Lead
Email: d.bandara@mmu.ac.uk
LinkedIn: @debbiebandara


Hazel Ng

Cultural Producer
Email: hazel.ng@manchester.ac.uk

Follow Our Journey

Instagram: @threads_of_connection_MM


© 2024 Katerina Karp. All rights reserved.