Resonate Late event explores migration, heritage and representation through South Asian stories in Coventry
An evening of talks and discussion brought together University of Warwick academics, exhibition curator and artist Hardish Virk, and members of the public at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry on Tuesday 5 May 2026, as part of the Resonate Festival.
The event explored migration, South Asian heritage and storytelling through the lens of Coventry’s lived histories and cultural connections.
The evening, was inspired by the exhibition Stories That Made Us – Roots, Resilience, Representation, which centers on the experiences of a South Asian family in Coventry from 1968 to 2010.
Drawing on Coventry Archives’ Virk Collection alongside Hardish Virk’s personal archive, the exhibition brings together sound, film, photography, printed materials and music to explore migration, activism and cultural identity across generations rooted in the city.
Curator, archivist and artist Hardish Virk, said: “Partnerships are key to the development of 'Stories That Made Us' and Warwick Institute of Engagement was the perfect partner to reach new audiences whilst interrogating the themes within the 'Stories That Made Us - Roots, Resilience, Representation' exhibition.”
Coventry was a key theme throughout the discussions, with speakers reflecting on how the city’s communities, archives and cultural spaces shape understandings of migration and belonging today. Curator, archivist and artist Hardish Virk discussed the exhibition’s development and the importance of personal and family archives in capturing everyday experiences that might otherwise be lost, helping to build more inclusive historical narratives.
Organised by the Warwick Institute of Engagement, the event forms part of its work connecting research, culture and communities in accessible, place-based ways, and included reflection on inclusive international partnerships such as the Warwick India Network (WIN), which supports collaboration and engagement with Indian students past, present and future.
Dr Kerry Baker, Associate Director of the Warwick Institute of Engagement, said: “The evening brought together research, culture and community in a way that really reflected Coventry’s own stories and experiences. The exhibition created a thoughtful space for conversations about migration, identity and belonging, and it was encouraging to see people engaging so openly with the themes.”
Professor Virinder Kalra, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (South, Central Asia and Middle East), added: “It was a great pleasure speaking at the Resonate Late event, as it allowed me to bring my research on 'British South Asian Vernacular writing' to a public audience and connected my role as Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor (South, Central Asia and the Middle East) with its focus on international partnerships to our local community in Coventry.
“As a global institution based in the Midlands creating opportunities and synergy with our locality through knowledge exchange and creative encounters such as with the exhibition, 'Stories that Made us' enhances not only the impact of our research but also our reputation.”
ENDS
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
About Resonate
This event is part of Resonate, a year-round programme from the University of Warwick offering free, interactive events across Coventry, Warwickshire, and campus, showcasing the work of Warwick staff and students to inspire curiosity and creativity. Find out more at: resonatefestival.co.uk
About Warwick Institute of Engagement (WIE)
Warwick Institute of Engagement (WIE) supports staff and students at the University of Warwick to engage with the wider world through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and public engagement. It also facilitates public involvement in Warwick research and aims to make the university more open and accessible to all. WIE is home to Resonate, a year-round programme of events for all ages that take place across Coventry and Warwickshire.
Established in 2020, WIE provides training and support to help embed public engagement in Warwick's teaching, research and everything else that the university does. In 2024–25, WIE delivered, supported or shared 117 public events attended by over 12,600 people, involving 396 Warwick contributors and 52 external organisations.
Learn more about the Warwick Institute of EngagementLink opens in a new window.
12 May 2026