KFOR and Kosovo +25 Photography Exhibition

Produced in partnership with Heartstone and funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, these images provide a unique insight into the work of peacekeepers whilst highlighting the human stories of the people of Kosovo, and the need for such an intervention to take place so they could safeguard lives, homes and re-build ordinary life in extraordinary circumstances. This internationally renowned exhibition produced by photographer Nick Sidle, will also tell the stories of those involved and refugees who fled to Manchester to set up home. 

Before coming to Rochdale the exhibition has been on display at the Tower of London, the National Museum of Kosovo in Pristina, the House of Commons, NATO HQ and at The Fusiliers Museum in Bury. 

In 1999, Kosovo Force (KFOR), the NATO led international peacekeeping force, entered Kosovo following Resolution 1244 by the United Nations Security Council. 2024 was the 25th anniversary of that deployment. The first UN Security Council Resolution connected to Kosovo was passed on 31 March 1998 and the second on 23 September 1998. This was followed by a series of resolutions culminating in Resolution 1244 one year later. 

The exhibition will take visitors through a visual, non-political, cultural experience into a world where they can empathise with those of different backgrounds, understand the commonality of human experience, why the issues need to be addressed, the need for peacekeeping forces and the refugee experience. Some local veterans who have already been traced are part of the programme.