International Dark Folklore Exhibition Coming to Truro’s Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery

On Saturday 16th August, Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro will transform into a realm of myth and legend for a special evening event celebrating Cornwall’s rich folkloric culture.

The International Dark Folklore Exhibition is a collaboration between Dark Cornwall and Gothe Residency of the Arts (GROTA), bringing together art, storytelling, and immersive experiences for one night only.

Folklore Comes Alive in Truro

The museum’s Collections Manager, Jeni Woolcock, said:

“Cornwall is home to a wealth of incredible folklore, which intertwines with our storytelling traditions and the plethora of archaeological sites dotted across the landscape. Every day, visitors to the museum can explore the myths and legends that run through the region and learn something new about this wild place on the edge.”

Going beyond the museum’s usual displays, the takeover will feature guided encounters, specialist speakers, live storytelling, and a specially curated art exhibition. The show will include over 80 works from international artists representing nearly 30 distinct cultures and regions.

A Global Celebration of Storytelling

Founder of Dark Cornwall, Rob Vickery, said:

“We are delighted to collaborate with Vincent Gothe, GROTA, and Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery. We will shine a light on Cornish artists and those from around the world dedicated to celebrating and preserving their local heritage and folklore. A unique event, at a truly iconic venue!”

Founder of Gothe Residency of the Arts, Vincent Gothe, added:

“At a time when human creativity is increasingly overshadowed by machine-generated content, this exhibition exists to reaffirm the irreplaceable value of the lived experience, perspective, and imagination that each and every artist brings to the stories they preserve.”

According to the organisers, the exhibition “invites visitors to step into a living tapestry of global traditions, ancestral stories, and creative interpretation” and will explore four themes: Culture, History, Folklore, and Art.

Featuring Local Talent

The exhibition has been professionally curated by Vincent Gothe, Emiland Kray, Nadia Rausa, Majick Ravenhawk and Morgana Weeks. It will also showcase local works from students at Falmouth University, aiming to inspire and engage new audiences with folktales from around the world.