Young People’s responses
One of the major benefits of the People & Place programme was the perception that it enabled young people to work together and independently in new and exciting ways. Young people responded positively to the projects and their work was described by project leaders as ‘imaginative and engaging’, noting that participants took great ‘pride’ in all of the project outputs. The young people’s enthusiasm for the projects led to regular attendance and consistently high levels of engagement. They were also very positive about the working methods adopted by the project co-ordinators and they valued also the effort made by all of the museum staff involved.
The young people involved in the People & Place projects felt that museums could be made to be more exciting and friendlier places if they developed interactive exhibitions targeted at younger audiences. However, although they felt that their contributions had been exciting they did not believe that the kind of activities that they had participated in were reflected across the museum sector as a whole.
Feedback:
“When I grow up I want to work in a museum” – participant at Colchester.
“It is much more interesting. When I look at it, I feel I belong there.” – participant at Brighton.
“One of the best things about the project has been working with other young people – we make a very good group.” – participant at Bristol.
“The project has encouraged [the young people] in many new experiences and extended their historical knowledge.” – Moyra Matthews, Neward Orchard School.
“I am absolutely sure that out of their whole school career it will be one day which they will remember for the rest of their lives.” – Andy Abernethy, Headteacher, Caldrew School.
If you would like to contact us with any thoughts and opinions related to the People & Place programme, please see the ‘Contact Us’ section of the website.
