Co-creation
I’m passionate about co-creation because, in my experience, it can bring out the best in collaborations between communities and galleries, libraries, archives and museums. It has the potential to truly diversify and democratise cultural institutions' decision-making if done with care, commitment and consistency.
As a key component of their capital redevelopment project plans, I collaborated closely with designers Mather & Co. and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens to create and write a co-creation strategy. In order to build on the successful co-creation work already occurring at the museum and to support efforts to advance it, I conducted a consultation process and a series of workshops with museum staff, designers and other project contractors. With the completion of the approximately £5 million redevelopment expected in 2027, the museum will apply the strategy as it moves towards the delivery phase of the project.
No matter the size or scope of your co-creation goals, I can help you reach them, and I'll make sure your organisation has the best opportunity of establishing equitable community partnerships.
Facilitation
I'm an experienced facilitator who has worked with a variety of higher education and cultural organisations and consultancies to assist them in developing training and workshops, as well as leading sessions that I've created in addition to those generated by clients. As a facilitator, my top priority is always making sure that participants are comfortable, their needs are met and that clients achieve their aims.
My co-creation workshops have been a regular feature of Museum-iD's study day series. Additionally, I have planned and facilitated a number of online sharing events for the Transatlantic Slavery and Legacies in Museums Forum, which have attracted up to one hundred members from across the UK. In keeping with my practice, I wrote an overview report for the Transatlantic Slavery and Legacies in Museums Forum events upon completion and, for both clients, I used an empathetic and inclusive facilitation style to make sure that participants felt safe, secure and free to engage in the way that best suited them.
Get in touch if you need an experienced facilitator or if you’re looking for help with the creation of an event, programme or workshop.
Aspiration
As a mentor, I'm dedicated to providing cultural workers and their organisations with the chance to reflect on past, present and future projects and practices. Alternative and innovative perspectives and plans can arise from contemplation, conversation and the sharing of different experiences.
I’ve worked as a consultant for the Independent Association of Museums on several programmes that have included mentorships, such as Re:Collections and Aspire. As a mentor for these programmes, I assisted a number of museums and heritage organisations, such as the Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum, the Egypt Centre at Swansea University, the Horse Museum, Penrhyn Castle and Garden and Y Gaer Museum, Art Gallery and Library, in developing future plans for their organisations.
If you or your organisation would benefit from a mentorship, as well as space and time to gain perspective, I’d be happy to discuss your needs.
Consultation
I've managed a variety of initiatives as a consultant to assist arts, cultural and heritage organisations in enhancing, streamlining, or expanding their operations. I provide customised solutions in collaboration with staff, stakeholders and supporters that are intended to encourage change, growth and socially engaged practice.
I created and delivered a five-month intensive piece of consultation that included interviews, workshops and summary reports in order to help the War and Conflict Subject Specialist Network realise its goal of deepening engagement with the histories and legacies of the British Empire and conflict in the 20th and 21st centuries. My research and recommendations provided the network with a solid foundation upon which to carry out this important work.
If your organisation is going through a period of change and you need help reflecting on your current position, processes or practice, drop me a line.
Ideation
One of the most motivating components of my practice is working with arts, culture and heritage organisations of all sizes to realise their ideas. An aspiration, concept, or vision can develop and bloom during the ideation process, eventually becoming a strategic reality. In my experience, embracing ideation leads to the emergence of some of the most exciting and interesting processes and projects.
I created and led a number of workshops in collaboration with the Harris Museum, Art Gallery, and Library to give collections staff a creative environment in which to evaluate and explore their goals for the renovation of the second-floor galleries. The Garfield Weston Foundation and the Wolfson Foundation are providing funding for the £450,000 gallery renovation, which is a part of the larger £10.02 million Harris Your Place capital project that will modernise the institution and be finished in 2024.
Let's talk if you need assistance igniting the creative fires within your organisation or an unbiased assessment of a project that is already under way.
Curation
Name a type of collection and I’ve most probably worked with it during my time as a curator and an Arts Council England museum mentor; from archery to contemporary art and most things in between. Improving access to all kinds of collections for communities is something that I care deeply about.
On behalf of Manchester Museum I led the unconditional repatriation of 43 secret, sacred and ceremonial cultural heritage items to the Aranda people of Central Australia, Gangalidda Garawa peoples of northwest Queensland, Nyamal people of the Pilbara and Yawuru people of Broome in partnership with Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). This was the first time a UK museum had unconditionally repatriated cultural heritage items to Australia's First Nation peoples.
If your organisation has cultural heritage collections and you want to democratise their care and increase community access, I can help.
Since 2022, I've collaborated with Museum-iD as part of the annual study day series to deliver a number of study days on ethical community co-creation to participants from the arts, culture and heritage sectors around the UK.
Photo courtesy of Museum-iD.