The Art Engager

Today, I'm excited to chat with Kylie Neagle about fostering curiosity and critical thinking on self-guided field trips for teachers and students.Kylie Neagle is the Education Coordinator at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) in Adelaide . With a small team and limited resources, catering to diverse student needs can be challenging. Volunteer Gallery Guides, though invaluable, cannot always provide guided tours.At the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide (AGSA), this prompted a shift towards empowering teachers to lead self-guided tours, emphasising inquiry and engagement rather than content delivery. The aim is to discourage teachers from relying on booklets during gallery visits. When students solely focus on facts or information from wall texts, they miss out on the chance to discover artworks that genuinely pique their interest.And this is where the Curiosity Cards come into play. These fantastic cards are a set of 52 tools designed to enhance art engagement among students. Perfect for self-guided gallery visits, they ease the pressure on teachers and empower students to articulate their thinking. They promote 'long looking' and also foster critical thinking, creativity and confidence in discussing art, enriching the whole learning experience. Episode Links:Curiosity Cardshttps://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/education/resources-educators/resources-educators-themed/curiosity-cards/ Other AGSA Resources https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/education/resources-educators/ AGSA Education Instagram https://www.instagram.com/agsa.education/ The Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspirationJoin the Slow Looking Club CommunitySupport the show here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebownDownload my free resources: How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museumSlow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow lookingUltimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one placeIf you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show!

In this episode, we take a closer look at museum visitor teams with Dickon Moore, Visitor Experience Manager at Wellcome Collection in London. Discover how these teams master the art of informal engagement, creating meaningful interactions that enhance visitors' museum experiences.Key Points:Understanding the importance of informal engagement in fostering meaningful interactions.How the role of visitor teams has changed over time from a more security-focused role to their current role as facilitators of engagement.Insights into the strategies and techniques employed by museum visitor teams, for informal, spontaneous interactions and structured engagements.Why visitor teams are uniquely placed to engage with museum visitorsHow museum visitor teams expertly navigate interactions with strangers, based on curiosity and open questioning.Learn about the three areas of impact: how visitors might think differently, feel differently, or act differently after engaging with museum content or staff.Discover how museum visitor teams are supported during challenging interactions, including skills development, duty manager support, de-escalation techniques, and reflective practice sessions.Episode 127 LinksWellcome Collection https://wellcomecollection.org/Dickon Moore on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/dickonmooreTranscript available here: The Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspirationJoin the Slow Looking Club CommunitySupport the show here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebownDownload my free resources: How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museumSlow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow lookingUltimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one place If you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show!

Today, in a special BONUS episode for Slow Art Day, I’m talking to Harma van Uffelen. Harma works as a curator of education for the Van Gogh Museum where they have just created a brand new slow looking programme and a slow looking experience for the Matthew Wong exhibition. Listen in to hear:How the programme started and why they chose the Matthew Wong exhibitionTechniques for engaging participants, including a deep dive into one of Wong's artworksConsiderations in programme design: ensuring comfort, choosing artworks, and managing durationDesigning a slow looking programme in a busy museum (hint: it can be done!)"In Silence with Matthew Wong": silent slow looking experience with one artworkReflections on the pilot programme and future plansIf you’ve ever thought about designing and facilitating slow looking programmes in your museum, you will learn a lot from this episode!Episode Links:Matthew Wong, The Realm of Appearances, 2018, https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/about/news-and-press/press-image-bank/images-matthew-wong/the-realm-of-appearancesMatthew Wong exhibition at the Van Gogh Museumhttps://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/visit/whats-on/exhibitions/matthew-wong-vincent-van-goghSlow Looking Programme at the Van Gogh Museum https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/nl/bezoek/agenda-en-activiteiten/rondleidingen/matthew-wong-vincent-van-goghOpen up with Vincent https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/about/organisation/inclusion-and-accessibility-policy/open-up-with-vincent#collaborationsHarma van Uffelen on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/harma-van-uffelen-4b50b721/H.vanUffelen@vangoghmuseum.nlThe Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspirationJoin the Slow Looking Club CommunitySupport the show here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebownDownload my free resources: How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museumSlow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow lookingUltimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one place If you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show!

In today's episode: what is rapport, why is it important and how can we build it in our museum and gallery programmes? I recently wrote an article for the Journal of Museum Education inspired by the coaching training I did in 2022. In ' Fostering a coaching mindset: applying coaching competencies to enhance museum educator practice and visitor experience' I explored how museum educators can benefit from using coaching skills to enhance their teaching and improve the visitor experience. One of the competencies I talked about in this article is building rapport. Rapport is quite a subtle or nuanced concept. It’s also not something that comes up  in everyday conversation. So what is rapport, why is it important for us as educators? I'll also be sharing 5 ways to build rapport in your museum and gallery programmes. LinksJournal of Museum Education article: 'Fostering a coaching mindset: applying coaching competencies to enhance museum educator practice and visitor experience' https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10598650.2023.2283400Episode 44 The 4 Elements of a Great IntroductionThe Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspirationJoin the Slow Looking Club CommunitySupport the show here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebownDownload my free resources: How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museumSlow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow lookingUltimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one place If you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show!

Today, Bianca Boska, an award-winning journalist and author of 'Get The Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See' discusses her new book and her journey into the art world with Claire Bown, host of The Art Engager podcast. Bianca immersed herself for 5 years into the New York art scene as a gallery assistant, artist assistant, curator, museum security guard and more as part of a journey to understand why art matters and how we can engage with it more deeply. In this chat, Bianca shares what she discovered about the art world, how her relationship with art has evolved, and how her experiences with various artworks have changed the way she sees the world. Links for Bianca Bosker and Get the Picture:Bianca Bosker Instagram, Twitter, FacebookAmazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Picture-Mind-Bending-Inspired-Obsessive/dp/1911630466Bookshop: https://www.waterstones.com/book/get-the-picture/bianca-bosker/9781911630463 The Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspirationJoin the Slow Looking Club CommunitySupport the show hereDownload my free resources: How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museum.Slow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow lookingUltimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one placeOther resourcesIf you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show!

Host Claire Bown chats with Sofie Vermeiren, about The Art Bridge, a long-term collaboration between Museum Leuven and a local school, exploring how art can boost children's self-confidence and visual literacy. Episode linksEpisode webpage + transcriptSofie Vermeiren on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofie-v-172093167/More info about the Art Bridge:https://www.mleuven.be/en/about-m/m-community/art-bridgehttps://www.mleuven.be/sites/default/files/2023-04/Publication_MaterDei_TheArtBridge.pdfBlog (in Dutch):https://kunstzone.nl/author/sofie-vermeiren/The Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspirationJoin the Slow Looking Club CommunitySupport the show hereDownload my free resources: How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museum.Slow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow lookingUltimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one placeOther resourcesIf you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show!

In this episode of the Art Engager podcast, host Claire Bown talks with Dr. Tasha Golden about the role arts and culture can play in public health, discussing Tasha's journey from singer-songwriter to public health scientist and the impact of social prescribing on healthcare. They delve into the ways museums are becoming active participants in community health, sharing examples and practical tips for cultural institutions. The conversation also covers the practical application of the Arts on Prescription field guide and the importance of inclusive access, diversity training, and self-care for educators and creatives in the arts.(0:00:13) - Dr. Tasha Golden's journey from musician to public health scientist and the success of the CultureRx pilot program.(0:12:15) - An in-depth look at social prescribing and arts on prescription's potential impact on social isolation.(0:18:14) - Museums promoting health and well-being through innovative programming and partnerships.(0:27:42) - The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion training, trauma-informed practice, and self-care for creatives and educators.(0:38:11) - Wrap-up and resources.LinksArts on Prescription Field Guide https://www.tashagolden.com/fieldguidehttps://www.tashagolden.com/https://www.instagram.com/tasha.golden/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashagolden/“How We Human,” Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Practice training — designed specifically for artists and arts organizations: http://www.tashagolden.com/trainingEpisode transcriptGet in touch with the show!Support the ShowCurated newsletter by Claire BownJoin the Slow Looking Club Community on FacebookDownload the free guide - how to look at art (slowly)Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List

Today I’m talking to Cecilie Monrad, Art Health Manager at Frederiksberg Museums in Copenhagen. We’re talking about See Listen Talk, a unique slow looking programme that helps young psychiatric service users in their recovery.See Listen Talk is a 15-week long programme with weekly meetings taking place outside of the museum's visiting hours. Participants were young psychiatric users aged 18 to 29. Some were still hospitalised during the course but were able to attend the museum sessions. The project had a co-therapist attached, who was both the participants' contact person and motivator.Listen to today's episode to hear:insights into the programme's framework and philosophy, discussing why slow looking was chosen as an approach and how it works in practice. what a typical session might involve and the methods and approaches that are used. how the programme creates connections within the group and how they create a ‘safe space and brave space’ for the participants through a broad trauma-sensitive framework. about the feedback the project has received so far and the positive impacts that the programme has had on the participants both inside and outside of the museum. the potential application and expansion of See, Listen, Talk, and  the recent recognition of Cecilie's work in the intersection of health and culture, including a recent visit to the Parliament for an open hearing. This research by Kasper Levin at Roskilde University is ongoing and results are anticipated in March 2024. Links:https://frederiksbergmuseerne.dk/en/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilie-monrad-b43729269/https://journals.uio.no/museolog/article/view/6662  - in Danish [The museum as a catalyst for loneliness prevention in the elderly]Upcoming article (in Danish) in https://www.magasinetmuseum.dk/ ”Museer som trivselsrum: Slow Looking og Visible Thinking / ”Museums as spaces for wellbeing: Slow Looking and Visible ThinkingEpisode 24 Using art and objects to learn wellbeing skills and improve mental health with Louise ThompsonSuggest a guest or ask a question for the show - get in touch hereDownload my free Slow Art GuideDownload the Ultimate Thinking Routine ListSupport the ShowJoin the Slow Looking Club Community on FacebookFree guide - how to look at art (slowly)Curated newsletter by Claire Bown

Today I’m talking to Andrew Westover, Eleanor McDonald Storza Director of Education at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, about how values-engaged teaching can transform gallery experiences and foster deep connections. Andrew Westover leads the learning team at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, focusing on connecting people with art and ideas to inspire civic life. In this role, Andrew develops initiatives, partnerships, and diverse programming to engage Atlanta's communities. Andrew previously served as the Keith Haring Director of Education at the New Museum in New York, shaping the vision for the education department. Their diverse experience includes roles at the J. Paul Getty Museum, the National Museum of Wildlife Art, the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum. In this chat we’re exploring:what values-engaged teaching is in a gallery setting and how it can be applied. the importance of self-knowledge and understanding your own values as essential foundations for effective teaching in a gallery setting. the 5 values that underpin the work of High Museum of Art’s education department and how their work is rooted in listening, engaging in dialogue, building consensus, and designing spaces for various communities. how four key words—experiences, identities, affinities, and beliefs—serve as a bridge in connecting the museum's collections and exhibitions with its visitors. the importance of genuine connection in the museum, and how connection is essential for experiences to be meaningful and not merely a superficial interaction. practical strategies and examples of how to navigate conflict during gallery discussions, including a detailed example of addressing emotional responses. Andrew concludes by sharing tips for listeners  looking to adopt similar strategies for values-engaged teaching in their practice or organisation. There is so much in this conversation - you might want to have a pen and paper handy! LinksAndrew Westover - High Museum of ArtHigh Museum of Art’s Educational Values and MethodologiesMuseum Magazine article: Transcending DogmaEdmonia Lewis’s sculpture Columbus: Columbus - High Museum of ArtTeaching in the Art Museum by Elliott Kai-Kee and Rika BurnhamForum for Leadership in Art Museum Education (professional network for heads of education at art museums): Forum for Leadership in Art Museum Education - My FLAME (gatherlearning.com)High Museum of Art LinkedIn and InstagramAndrew Westover LinkedIn and Instagram

Today I'm talking to Briony Brickell, the director of Magic Lantern, an educational charity delivering interactive art history workshops in schools across the UK. We chat about the organisation's work, its values, and the interactive art history sessions they conduct in primary schools for children aged 4 to 11.We explore Magic Lantern's unique cross-curricular approach, incorporating art history into various subjects like science, geography, history, English, maths, and more. We discuss a variety of specific strategies used in sessions, such as inviting students to step into artworks, creating soundscapes, exploring colours and patterns, and engaging students in the making process through dry painting. Briony also details a session involving Henri Rousseau's painting "Surprised" and shares how information is shared in the sessions. Briony concludes with tips for engaging children with art, emphasising the importance of cultivating a culture of looking, letting paintings speak for themselves initially, and gradually introducing historical and narrative context.Hope you enjoy our chat!LinksHenri Rousseau Surprised (1891)Hans Holbein The Ambassadors (1533)The Townley Discobolus statueMagic Lantern is an award winning charity that has been turning primary school classrooms into pop-up art galleries for nearly 30 years. Children are given the opportunity to explore, discuss and bring to life famous artworks, and discover the world of art from cave paintings to Cubism, Gothic to Graffiti, and Turner to the Turner Prize. These unique art history workshops are designed to support classroom topics across the whole curriculum and incorporate elements of drama, soundscape, writing and dialogue. Magic Lantern websiteFollow Magic Lantern on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook

 In today's episode, Dr. Stephanie Smith, Learning Manager at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) in Canberra, shares insights into MoAD's innovative approach to engaging visitors in historical spaces. Steph talks about MoAD's educational programmes, focusing on their inquiry-based approach and how they encourage an 'inquiry mindset' through active student participation. We also explore the team's teaching methods and how they use intentional and scaffolded open-ended questions to spark student curiosity and participation. We discuss the importance of making students feel heard, encouraging them to share thoughts, and creating a positive, participatory learning environment.We also talk about MoAD's unique professional development model, built on collaboration, continuous learning, and reflective practices. We explore 'slow looking pd' where the team think and learn together by reflecting on various provocations and questions (including episodes of The Art Engager!). 'Slow Looking PD' is a deliberate practice that helps the team at MoAD to improve how they teach and support students. Throughout the episode, Steph shares lots of strategies for student engagement and reflective growth. Whether you're interested in engaging with students, innovative teaching methods, or a facilitation-focused approach to team PD, there are so many takeaways from this episode. Linkshttps://www.moadoph.gov.au/Museum Educators Facebook groupInstagram @stephi_smith_inquirer

In today's new episode I'm talking to researcher and practice assistant, Leonie Delaey, discussing how museums engage with young people through youth boards and organisations.Leonie come from a rich background in socio-cultural studies and Cultural Management. She currently serves as a Practice Assistant for the Master in Cultural Management program at the University of Antwerp. This year, Leonie completed her master's thesis, centring around the theme of youth engagement in museums. In today’s conversation:We delve into the challenges museums face in effectively engaging and connecting with younger audiences.We explore existing initiatives with young people, such as Antwerp’s Photography Museum or FOMU's Nightwatch Youth Program, and discuss how these programs aim to involve and empower young individuals.We talk about her research and the 9 building blocks she’s identified to help museums set up and work with youth advisory boards. These blocks provide a comprehensive guide for museums to reflect on their strategies, address challenges, and enhance the effectiveness of their youth engagement initiatives.Listen in to explore the challenges, strategies, and potential solutions around the subject of youth engagement in museums.LinksDownload my free Slow Art GuideDownload the Ultimate Thinking Routine ListSupport the ShowJoin the Slow Looking Club Community on FacebookDownload the free guide - how to look at art (slowly)Curated newsletter by Claire BownGet in touch with Leonie Delaey to discuss her research on LinkedIn

In today's episode , we explore the urgent need for rest in the cultural sector, specifically in museum education. My guest, educator and leader, Kate Oliver, a freelancer with extensive experience in museums and learning, recently co-founded the "Radical Rest Network" to address this critical issue. In today's conversation, Kate shares insights into the Radical Rest Network's research, which revealed widespread exhaustion and burnout within the sector.She discusses how the passion and commitment of museum educators, combined with unending demands, limited resources, and unrealistic expectations, contributes to our field's sense of fatigue. Kate emphasises the importance of collective, systemic change, highlighting strategies for organisations and individuals to prioritise rest. She also introduces the concept of "radical" rest, signalling the need for significant, collaborative changes to address the burnout crisis.Listen to our conversation to discover practical tips for rest and how the Radical Rest Network is fostering a cultural shift towards a more balanced and sustainable approach to work and well-being in museum education.LinksArticle summarising the Radical Rest project & research: https://www.anewdirection.org.uk/blog/radical-rest-for-the-cultural-sectorSign up for the Radical Rest Network: https://forms.gle/kaLvPzRRQmgbyQaS7Connect with Kate Oliver on LinkedInEmail Kate OliverOther great places to learn more:The fabulous Nap Ministry's "Rest as Resistance": https://www.instagram.com/thenapministry/ GLAM Cares - wellbeing support for museum community engagement professionals:  https://glamcaresnetwork.wordpress.com/Four-day-week global trial results & how to advocate for: https://www.4dayweek.com/How to unionise to improve working conditions: https://www.vice.com/en/article/v7gm4j/how-to-unionise-your-workplaceLow-cost counselling service for individuals who work in the Arts: https://www.wellbeinginthearts.org.uk/how-we-help-individuals/ Journal of Museum Education 2023 Special Virtual Issue: I QUIT!: ACKNOWLEDGING BURNOUT AND THE NEED FOR EMPATHY AND SELF-CARE IN MUSEUM EDUCATIONhttps://www.museumedu.org/vsi/i-quit-acknowledging-burnout-and-the-need-for-empathy-and-self-care-in-museum-education/

Today I’m talking to Rob Walker, author of The Art of Noticing and its spinoff newsletter. He’s a columnist for Fast Company, a longtime contributor to The New York Times and many other publications. His latest book, co-edited with Joshua Glenn, is “Lost Objects: 50 Stories About The Things We Miss and Why They Matter.” In today’s conversation Rob shares how he got into this work around noticing and paying attention to things. We discuss what’s wrong with our attention these days and debate whether noticing is a habit, a mindset or a skill. We talk about some of the 131 different ideas for noticing in The Art of Noticing and discuss specific contexts where noticing can be particularly rewarding We also talk about museums, about how we can get more out of museum visits by noticing the ‘wrong’ things, following our curiosity, and spending more time with less objects. We wind up talking about his most recent project  and book “Lost Objects’ which explores the personal significance of objects, especially those that are lost, stolen, or discarded. We talk about the value of noticing and appreciating objects that often go unnoticed, highlighting how these objects serve as tools for connecting with people and the world around us. I really enjoyed talking to Rob - hope you enjoy it too!LinksJoin the Slow Looking Club Community on FacebookDownload the free guide - how to look at art (slowly)Curated newsletter by Claire BownRob Walker websiteRob's newsletter is at robwalker.substack.com. Rob's books: The Art of Noticing and his latest book, co-edited with Joshua Glenn, Lost Objects: 50 Stories About The Things We Miss and Why They Matter

Today, I'm responding to a question I get asked a lot: How do you approach groups that are more used to a traditional approach and say they don't want to participate?How can we work with these expectations while delivering an engaging and educational museum experience?In this episode, I'm exploring some of the reasons behind resistance to participation and offering some solutions. From setting clear expectations and creating an inclusive atmosphere to gradual introductions, building trust, and using gentle questions, you'll find lots of ideas here.Learn how adaptability is the key to fostering participation and why understanding, patience, and responsiveness are crucial in bridging the gap between traditional and interactive museum experiences.Listen in to find out more! And if you have a question that you'd like me to answer, get in touch!LinksEpisode 44 The 4 Elements of a Great IntroductionEpisode 42 How to Read a GroupEpisode 69 How to Use Body Language to Create EngagementSupport the ShowDownload the Ultimate Thinking Routine ListJoin the Slow Looking Club Community on FacebookDownload the free guide - how to look at art (slowly)Curated newsletter by Claire Bown

In today's episode, Claire Bown engages in conversation with the authors of a groundbreaking new book, "Activating the Art Museum: Designing Experiences for the Health Professions." Ruth Slavin, Corinne Zimmermann, and Ray Williams share their insights into the powerful intersection of art and healthcare. This book is the first-ever guide to creating art museum experiences tailored specifically for healthcare professionals' development and well-being.In this conversation Ruth, Corinne, and Ray delve into their motivations for writing the book, even amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. We explore why art museums are a natural fit for supporting healthcare, how critical thinking about art can enhance medicine, and the practical methods and frameworks they provide, like Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS). We'll also learn how art fosters empathy, improves teamwork, and addresses bias in healthcare. Plus, discover the calming influence of art museums, the advantages of mindfulness in healthcare, and how these experiences benefit everyone involved, from healthcare workers to patients and the healthcare field as a whole. LinksVTMO IntermediateVTMO AdvancedRuth Slavin LinkedInRay Williams LinkedInCorinne Zimmerman LinkedInShort description of bookActivating the Art Museum: Designing Experiences for the Health Professions is the first book to address theory and practice connecting art museums and healthcare. Chapters address key topics including tolerating ambiguity; empathy; interprofessional teamwork; confronting bias; the power of story; caring for the spirit; wellbeing and mindfulness.Link to publishers websiteActivating the Art Museum: Designing Experiences for the Health ProfessionsDiscount flyer link for those interested in purchasingAdditional links for learning opportunitiesHarvard Macy Institute’s Art Museum-based Health Professions Education Fellowship: https://harvardmacy.org/courses/museumTraining our Eyes, Minds and Hearts: Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) for Healthcare Professionals: https://cmecatalog.hms.harvard.edu/course/training-our-eyes-minds-and-hearts-visual-thinking-strategies-health-care-professionalsVTS@Work: https://www.haileygroup.com/vtsatworkprogramBiosRuth Slavin has thirty years of leadership experience in art museums, most recently as deputy...

This week we're exploring engagement for all with Sam Bowen, a passionate advocate for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inclusion in museums. Sam shares her extensive experience in the museum sector and explains how her role as a mother to a child with SEND has fuelled her advocacy work.Highlights:Personal Journey: Sam discusses her background in museums and how her personal experience as a parent of a child with SEND shaped her into an inclusion advocate.Inclusive Spaces: the crucial need for museums to create inclusive spaces and programmes that cater to the diverse needs of all visitors, irrespective of their abilities.Practical Advice: how museums can become more SEND-friendly, including consulting with SEND families and organisations to better understand their unique requirements.Sensory-Friendly Initiatives: The importance of sensory-friendly spaces and resources within museums to enhance the comfort and engagement of SEND visitors.Proactive Approach: Why museums need to take a proactive stance on inclusion and collaborate closely with SEND families and organisations to remove any access and participation barriers.About Sam Bowen:Sam delivers training globally to the museum and cultural sector on all aspects of welcoming children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She also speaks at conferences, write articles and mentor museums on organisational change in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).Sam has worked in the Museum sector for 25 years during which time she's been a Curator, Education Manager and Museum Development Officer. She brings this knowledge, combined with her lived experience as a SEND parent, to support museums as a freelance consultant. She is the founder of the SEND in Museums campaign, author of the Special Schools and Museums toolkit and creator of www.sendinmuseums.org, a sector advocacy and guidance resource.In 2021 Sam was named the Radical Change Maker in the (UK) Museum Association’s Museums Change Lives awards. Her commitment to museums is to help them become accessible to the 9% of the UK child population who are SEND and who deserve equity in cultural engagement.Linkswww.sendinmuseums.org: a sector advocacy and guidance resource.Sam Bowen website: www.sambowen.co.ukSam Bowen on Twitter: @makedoand SEND & @SENDinMuseums

Museum education is evolving, and so are the ways we engage our audiences. The days of traditional lecture-style tours are numbered, as more and more museums offer more dynamic, participant-driven, discussion-based experiences. Whether you're just starting out with inquiry-based learning in the museum or looking to enhance your existing approach, this episode is for you. It’s packed with actionable tips and strategies to guide you. I'm going to share practical insights that will help you overcome common fears, embrace the unknown, and confidently step into the realm of discussion-based inquiry-based programs. Here are my top 3 tips to get you started.LinksVTMO Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Courses Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine ListSupport the ShowDownload the free guide - how to look at art (slowly)Curated newsletter by Claire Bown

Today, I'm joined by Rachel Nicholson (Director, Visitor Engagement & Research at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art) and Christine Murray (Head of Content at Art Processors) to discuss an art experience that revolutionises the way visitors interact with Impressionist art. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has collaborated with Art Processors to bring to life "A Beautiful Disruption: Experiencing the Bloch Galleries," a sensorial digital journey that forges personal connections with Impressionist masterpieces and their creators. This innovative encounter leverages existing gallery technology to lead visitors through a hands-free, 'eyes-up' experience, guided by dynamic lighting and immersive audio cues. It blends technology, storytelling, and sensory elements, creating deeper engagement with Impressionist art and, at the same time, disrupting the conventional museum experience.This immersive experience encourages visitors to actively explore and engage with the art, allowing them to choose their own path and connect with paintings that resonate with them personally. This innovative approach creates a communal and social experience, transforming the way visitors interact with and appreciate art within the gallery setting.LinksNelson-Atkins website pageRachel Nicholson LinkedInArt Processors Christine Murray Linked InRediscovering joy and human connection with the ImpressionistsChristine’s recent documentary “Feelings Are Facts”

Today I’m talking to Jackie Armstrong, Associate Educator Visitor Research and Experience at MoMA in New York, about trauma-informed practice in museums. We’re exploring trauma-informed practice in museums, what it is, what it looks like and how museums can implement it into their culture and into their programming. We discuss MoMA's Artful Practices for Well-Being initiative, which offers trauma-informed programming and experiences. Jackie also shares insights on MoMA's slow looking programme and provides advice on adopting trauma-informed practices in your work. Content warning: please note that this episode contains brief references to sensitive topics. Please take care when listening. LinksSupport the ShowCurated newsletter by Claire BownDownload my free slow looking resources: how to look at art (slowly) and my simple Slow Art GuideJackie Armstrong's website: https://www.jackie-armstrong.com/Jackie Armstrong on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jackie_ArmstronArticles on museums and trauma-informed practice: Museums Must Become More Trauma-Informed3 Trauma-Informed Practices for Museums to FollowHow Explorations of Art, Trauma-Informed Principles, and Contemplative Practices Can Come Together to Support Well-Being and Nervous System RegulationMentioned in this episode:Dr Peter Levine Somatic Experiencing Dr. Karen Treisman’s book “A Treasure Box for Creating Trauma-informed Organizations: A Ready-to-Use Resource for Trauma, Adversity, and Culturally Informed, Infused and Responsive Systems" for trauma-informed principles and values Artful Practices for Well-Being Dr Glenn Patrick Doyle on Twitter