From Clicks to Progress: How the Commonwealth Virtual Museum is Revolutionizing Storytelling

by Lilian Efobi

In an era where Commonwealth’s significance is being questioned, there is the need to tell the stories, achievements and impacts of the 56 Commonwealth member nations. The Commonwealth Virtual Museum, which is at the forefront of a digitally enabled storytelling landscape, was launched in London on August 12, 2024, to offer member states a special forum for collaboration, experience sharing, and positive change-driven initiatives.

This innovative platform is enabling a new generation of storytellers and change-makers and revolutionizing how we interact with and appreciate the rich cultural legacy of the Commonwealth.

The project is spearheaded by Dr Terri-Ann Gilbert-Roberts, Research Manager at the Commonwealth Secretariat and historian, Harriet Aldrich. They, together with Troy and Kuku Richards, co-founders of the Museum of Diversity and 24 young curators across the Commonwealth, will build the immersive world, as a Year of Youth legacy project.

The Virtual Museum, which harbours a large collection of stories, arts, relics, and experiences from across the Commonwealth, can be explored and interacted with, in the immersive online Commonwealth Virtual Museum. This virtual sanctuary promotes empathy, understanding, and connection across many cultures in the Commonwealth by serving as a dynamic platform for modern storytelling in addition to being a storehouse of historical knowledge.
The museum’s dedication to accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity is at the foundation of its creative storytelling strategy. Using cutting-edge technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, the museum offers a welcoming environment where perspectives from marginalized groups can be heard.

While there is no lack of genius in the Commonwealth, there is often a lack of opportunity

Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC

Visitors to the Museum can engage with dynamic exhibits that bring stories to life through multimedia content, 3D models, and immersive experiences. Creatives can be contributors to the crowdsourced collections, through personal stories and artifacts that reflect the diversity of the Commonwealth. Youths of the Commonwealth can hold virtual events, workshops and masterclasses in the museum, fostering a community of storytellers and change-makers.

The Commonwealth Virtual Museum is dedicated to empowering young people as the future storytellers and leaders of the Commonwealth. By providing a platform for youth voices, the museum aims to:

• Foster empathy and understanding among diverse communities
• Develop storytelling and digital literacy skills
• Inspire a sense of ownership and responsibility for cultural heritage

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, in her address to the audience of High Commissioners, young people, youth workers and other stakeholders at the launch of the Virtual Museum said:

“The museum will stand as a permanent, interactive, flexible and adaptable platform, hosted by the Secretariat, accessible via a web browser, and for the more technologically advanced among us via virtual reality. It will be a platform to celebrate the progress of our member states; to recognise the great work of our accredited organisations, youth networks and international partners; to highlight the development contributions of young people; to increase awareness of development priorities across the Commonwealth; and to promote learning, skill development and capacity building for digital engagement.”

A Novel Era in Narrative

With the immersive experience provided by the virtual museum, visitors can interact and participate dynamically with the tale of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. The successes, setbacks, and accomplishments of young people throughout the Commonwealth through storytelling, infographics and artworks are showcased in virtual reality.

The virtual museum serves as a platform for change in addition to being a commemoration of the past, present and future. Through the virtual museum, the present and next generation of leaders will be inspired and encouraged to question the existing status quo, and fight toward a more just and equitable society. The Commonwealth Virtual Museum is a force for change in addition to being a digital platform. Through the amplification of underrepresented perspectives, the advancement of intercultural comprehension, and the empowerment of youth, the museum is propelling the Commonwealth toward greater inclusivity and equity.
To experience the thrilling and inspiring experience of storytelling on a different level, visit the Commonwealth Virtual Museum now to learn how clicking may be a significant force for change.