Growing Together Peer Networking Opportunities

These peer networks  bring people working or volunteering in South West museums together to understand what good practice in EDI looks like in a supportive environment.  The events are facilitated by our Champions.  Read on to find out more, including how to book:

Information on how to book on to these sessions is listed below. 

Not Just Ramps and Lifts: Improving Accessibility for Busy Museums

Francesca Hollow, Director – Museum of East Dorset

As museums face increasing pressure, from delivering more activity to generating more income, ensuring our spaces are accessible can fall off the list.  There are many small, quick actions which can be taken to improve accessibility and this session will consider some top tips and sustainable actions.

Date: Thursday 20 March, 2pm – 3:30pm

Location: Online

How to book: To book please contact [email protected]

“I don’t want to say the wrong thing!” – Part 1

How to deal with the ever-evolving language around equality, diversity, and inclusion, and why it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

Hannah Bradbury-Crowther, Curator of Diverse Histories – National Museum of the Royal Navy

If you find the pace at which language changes intimidating, if you’re worried about the impact this will have on our heritage, or if you’re simply worried about getting it wrong this informal session looks at how we can make this essential part of our practice more accessible to a greater number of people, in a safe environment. This is more about us as individuals taking those first steps than about application within the heritage sector, which comes in part 2.

Date: Wednesday 7 May, 10:30am – 12pm

Location: Online

How to book: To book please contact [email protected]

“I don’t want to say the wrong thing!” – Part 2

How to apply what we know about language to our own EDI work within the heritage sector in an appropriate manner that keeps content but challenges outdated forms of practice.

Hannah Bradbury-Crowther, Curator of Diverse Histories – National Museum of the Royal Navy

Attendees will benefit from tried and tested work-based examples and how to go about them, from glossaries to content warnings, right up to networks and community based projects. 

Date: Thursday 5 June, 10:30am – 12pm

Location: Online

How to book: To book please contact [email protected]

Making Sense of the Senses

How sensory processing can affect and enhance the museum experience

Lucy Forbes, Visitor Welcome and Retail Assistant – Cornwall Museum and Art Galleries

Understanding what sensory processing is, why it affects the museum experience and how to enhance the senses in your museum for all visitors. Looking at the work Cornwall  Museum and Art Gallery has done with the Sensory Trust.

Date: Monday 12 May, 1:30pm – 4pm

Location: Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery, River Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2SJ

How to book: To book please contact [email protected]

Trans-Inclusion in Our Museums

Erin Taylor BANES Heritage Services

Guest Speaker:  Sophie Meyer, Director Queer Kernow

Date: Thursday 29 May, 10am – 12pm

Location: Online

How to book: To book please contact [email protected]

What’s in the Bag? Part 1

How to develop your sensory bags to enhance and engage visitors in your collections.

Helen Marshall, Learning and Community Engagement Officer – Aerospace Bristol

Sensory bags should be more than a tool to keep children entertained and out of trouble! They should enhance the learning experience of the museum.

Partnering with Claire Madge, Founder of the Autism in Museums Network, this session will explore the relevance of sensory bags and learn from examples of good practice.

Guest Speaker: Claire Madge, Founder of the Autism in Museums Network

Date: Wednesday 4 June, 2pm – 3:30pm

Location: Online

How to book: To book please contact [email protected]

What’s in the Bag? Part 2

How to develop your sensory bags to enhance and engage visitors in your collections.

Helen Marshall – Learning and Engagement Officer, Aerospace Bristol

This in-person workshop at Aerospace Bristol follows on from session 1 and will get you working together to explore ways to enhance your own museums story using a sensory back pack model. Take a tour around the exhibit with Helen Marshall and Claire Madge, before using your own museum map to pack a bag that will foster a discovery approach to learning for all.

Guest Speaker: Claire Madge, Founder of Autism in Museums Network

Date: Thursday 3 July, 2pm – 4pm

Location: Aerospace Bristol

How to book: To book please contact [email protected]

This project was made possible thanks to a grant from National Lottery Heritage Fund and funding from Arts Council England.