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 InstagramAsk a question or suggest a guest for the showDownload 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 Bown

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/

Rob Walker, author of "The Art of Noticing" and Fast Company columnist, dives into the significance of observation in daily life. He discusses how modern distractions challenge our attention and advocates for a mindset shift towards mindfulness. Rob shares insights on enhancing museum visits by noticing overlooked objects and the personal stories behind them. Additionally, he highlights his latest book, "Lost Objects," focusing on the emotional resonance of what we’ve lost or discarded, urging a deeper connection with the world around us.

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 director for education at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) where she initiated partnerships with faculty in medicine, nursing and social work. Since 2009, she has designed gallery experiences, workshops, and elective courses with and for physicians, residents, and medical students on topics including empathy, complexity and ambiguity in medicine, personal narratives in medical education, and mindfulness. Since 2014, she has served as a core member of the faculty team for the POE in Medical Humanities at the U-M Medical School. Ray Williams has established robust partnerships with medical educators and clinicians as the director of education at both the Harvard Art Museums and, since 2012, the Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin. He participated in the American Academy of Medical College’s committee on integrating the arts and humanities in medical education and has consulted to the Kern National Network for Caring and Character in Medicine. His work with health professionals in museum settings has focused on interprofessional teamwork, empathic communication, religion and spirituality, and wellbeing. He has a particular commitment to supporting clinicians dealing with grief and loss.Corinne Zimmermann has been a museum educator for thirty years. Through Corinne Zimmermann Consultancy, she custom designs training and workshops for the health professions and business organizations focused on improving communication and team dynamics; cultivating leadership skills and empathic capacities; mitigating biases; and promoting well-being. She is a founding co-director of the Harvard Macy Institute’s Art Museum-based Health Professions Education Fellowship and co-founder of VTS@Work, which offers interprofessional training and certification in the Visual Thinking Strategies. In Fall 2023, she is co-teaching Training our Eyes, Minds, and Hearts: Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) for Healthcare Professionals, a CME course offered through Harvard Medical School.

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