Kezia Permata

Biography

Kezia has recently studied for a MA in History of Art and Archaeology at SOAS, University of London following a BA in Javanese Literature. During this time in London, she has developed a further interest in museums and exhibitions and has a longstanding interest in manuscripts, particularly Javanese and Balinese.

Studying manuscripts made Kezia realise how important it is for people to access what was written upon them, which led to work on transliterating and translating in Indonesia. Kezia is interested in making history accessible to all and how constructing a narrative and display can make objects easier to understand.

Museum interests include communities, display, collecting, collections management and conservation. She would like to discover what goes on behind the scenes in a museum, particularly in terms of exhibitions and conservation.

At the British Museum

During Kezia’s time on the International Training Programme she spent time in whole group sessions for a detailed overview of all aspects of the Museum’s work, both front of house and behind the scenes. She also attended a range of subject specialist sessions, tailored sessions, chosen to reflect her professional interests, role profile and current projects and programmes. Kezia spent her partner placement at Norfolk Museums Service.

Kezia worked with the ITP 2022 participants to develop a 15-object trail based on a story they wanted to share based around the British Museum collection. The theme of the trail was Food and drink and Kezia’s chosen object was a shell ladle from Java.

Kezia’s place on the International Training Programme was generously supported by the Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust.