Every time I work with different groups, as well as focusing on diversifying the Ashmolean’s audience, I also start with “How can the museum support our partners’ priorities?” and “What will they gain from working with the Museum?”,
It is obviously right that museums want to ensure they welcome everyone into their buildings, their collections and make these as accessible as possible. However, it’s so important to approach our work from the individuals’, partners’ and organisations’ perspectives: what benefits do they gain? Indeed, in a time when cuts are squeezing services, the Ashmolean (and other museums) can support community organisations in achieving real benefits, supporting positive changes at a local (and national) level.
Here’s the thoughts of Louise, the Roundabout Children Centre Worker who runs the Young Parents Group.
‘The Roundabout Centre was extremely lucky to be able to offer this opportunity to our Young Parents Group BOP( Budding Oxford Parents).
The parents that attended, really enjoyed the whole experience and said that it didn’t feel like they were learning at all!
The sessions helped gel the group together and it was great to see them all work together and praise each other on their designs. Not having the children with them gave them some precious “Me Time” and the parents discussed a wide range of topics from problems facing in housing or in their relationships or their children, they were all keen to offer advice to one another in each field.
The children loved the trip [to the Ashmolean] from start to finish, taxi journey and looking round the museum they have all said that they would take their children again.
All this was happening while they were designing and making beautiful jewellery and gaining an Art Qualification.
The parents really enjoyed the whole learning experience and have asked is it possible they can have more!
I would like to say a massive thank you to Nicola and Kate for giving these girls such a positive learning experience that they are asking for more & who knows what this can lead too for these young parents.’
Laura (mum)
“I loved the course I was sad when it finished”.
Jess (mum)
“The Art course was great, I’d love to do more!”