Thinking Like Ancestors – An Environmental Storytelling

Session outline:

In this engaging collections-based storytelling workshop, we will explore key principles of storytelling in museum work and unearth original stories worthy of our extraordinary times. Using a combination of historical evidence and imagination, we will cast a new light on chosen objects from your collections and help you weave stories - environmental and beyond - that are relevant and meaningful to your museum and its audiences.

Running order:

Part 1 - Environmental Storytelling Principles: a short introductory presentation including key findings on the power of storytelling and examples of best practice in Museums.

Part 2 - Object Deep Dive: Listening to one Amateur Ancestor Story and using the

prompt cards to study your own collection item, we’ll explore how to look at objects

from a multiplicity of perspectives, which will include individual and group work. What if

holding a teapot could transport you back to Ice Age glaciers that formed its clay?

Part 3: Creating links across collections: Following another Amateur Ancestor Story, we’ll experiment with creating connections across collections to see what new stories and perspectives can emerge from bringing objects that might not normally sit together in your museum. What’s the link between an old printing press and a dress made of synthetic fibres?

Participants must submit an image and a brief description of two objects from their collections including object name, maker, date by Monday 28 September to mailto:enquiries@mdmidlands.org.uk

A link to the Miro board to be used during the session, including information on how to use it will be provided by Justine a week before the session.

Please include a tick box to say they are happy to share information with Justine for the purpose of this on the booking link

Learning Objectives:

· Explain the key principles of museum storytelling.

· Explore museum objects from multiple perspectives.

· Use evidence and imagination to uncover new object narratives.

· Identify environmental stories within collections.

· Create connections across collections to generate fresh interpretations.

· Develop engaging stories that are relevant to contemporary audiences.

The event will be delivered via Zoom using a range of exercises and interactive features including Chat and Breakout Rooms and will include a short break.

The facilitator and participants will also use a Miro Board during the workshop. Full access and instructions and support to use this will be provided before the training.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in discussion. If you have any concerns about accessibility or usability for these features, please contact enquiries@mdmidlands.org.uk

This event supports the Arts Council England Ambition & Quality and Inclusivity and Relevance

Investment Principles.

This event is fully funded through Arts Council England and is free to attend for those working in or with eligible museums in the Midlands.

About the trainer

Justine Boussard FRSA is a curator and storyteller with fifteen years’ experience working in the heritage and public art sectors with clients include the Design Museum, Crafts Council, Jane Withers and North East Museums. She founded the Amateur Ancestor Project to explore the role of heritage in addressing the climate crisis from a cultural perspective. She delivers training and public engagement programme in museums across the UK, working with a wide range of publics from young people, museum staff and volunteers to ethical businesses.

She is a fellow of the RSA, a graduate of the V&A/RCA MA in History of Design, and a member of Climate Museum UK. The Amateur Ancestor Project features in Rob Hopkins’ book How To Fall in Love with The Future in the ‘Learning from the Pioneers’ chapter.

Who should attend?

Curatorial and exhibition staff or volunteers, learning staff or volunteers.

Suitable for beginners, no prior knowledge required.

Maximum two delegates per organisation. Priority will be given to delegates from non-NPO and non-National museums in the Midlands which are Accredited or officially Working Towards Accreditation.

Please note: We require you to complete the full booking form in order to confirm your eligibility for the session. The main booking form questions will appear after you have been through the 'check out' process. If you do not complete this form we will be in contact and reserve the right to cancel your ticket if we do not receive a response.

Accessibility

This event will be auto-captioned through Zoom. If you would benefit from any other form of access support, including live captioning, please answer ‘yes’ to the access requirements question on the booking form and email the MDM team as early as possible stating the support you require.

All participants will receive an email containing a Zoom link to the training prior to the event. The email will be sent to the email address used for booking. If you have not received an email the day before the event please contact us.

MDM Accessibility Statement

Important Information

https://mdmidlands.org.uk/code-of-conduct

https://mdmidlands.org.uk/booking-terms-and-conditions

Contact Us

If you need any further information or would like to speak to a member of the team please contact us:

Enquiries@mdmidlands.org.uk