Kids to become curators in Museums Takeover Day

15 November 2024

Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery and Museum and Coventry Transport Museum are welcoming young people this week as part of national Discover Creative Careers Week and Kids in Museums Takeover Day.  

This collaboration aims to introduce students to potential career paths within the arts and heritage sectors, inspiring them to consider futures as facilitators, curators, or creative professionals. 

On Friday 22 November, 16 pupils from Coventry Young Ambassadors will take part in a special collaboration at the Herbert as part of Kids In Museums national Takeover Day.  

Years 5 and 6 pupils from primary schools, Stivichall, Templars, Wyken Croft, and Southfields will get hands-on experience in museum roles, working with both staff and the public. Through interactive workshops, they’ll step into the shoes of museum professionals, exploring roles like art facilitators and curators. 

The day kicks off with introductions and an icebreaker, before the students split into two groups. Group A will start with an art-making workshop led by Bria Scholes, Schools Coordinator, where students will learn new art techniques to create individual pieces. The artworks will come together to form a large mural that they will later install in the Godiva Gallery. Group B, led by Community Engagement Coordinator, Amara Lawrence, will dive into object handling, learning about the preservation and care of museum objects and even selecting items to create a display. 

In the afternoon, the groups will get the chance to share what they have learnt with each other. The students will take shifts, allowing each participant to experience both facets of museum work, from crafting and installation to engaging directly with museum visitors in the Collecting Coventry gallery. They will have the opportunity to share insights on their curated displays with the public, gaining confidence in presenting their work to others. 

Two days prior on Wednesday, 20 November, Discover Creative Careers Week will bring Year 10 students to the Herbert and Transport Museum for a series of workshops, tours, and a careers marketplace showcasing a range of career paths within the arts. At the Herbert, students will visit archives and explore art careers. Over at Transport Museum, they’ll participate in workshops and explore career options across creative industries. 

Amara said: “It’s an incredible experience for students to see what goes on behind the scenes in a museum and understand how many different people and roles make exhibitions and events possible. For young people to take part in these roles firsthand gives them a real sense of ownership and perhaps a spark for a future career in arts or heritage.” 

Through both these initiatives, Coventry youngsters are given an inside look at creative professions and are encouraged to imagine themselves as the next generation shaping the city’s cultural landscape. 

Photo: Dan Foley