An experiment to observe and record the effectiveness of a member of staff acting as an Explainer to help visitors at Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery to engage with and enjoy the exhibitions of contemporary art, Now For Tomorrow II. Findings were required in order to contribute ideas towards the development of new approaches to staff roles and exhibition interpretation.
Organisation
Nottingham Castle Museum and Art Gallery, Nottingham, UK.
Role
Observer and Consultant, freelance.
Discreetly observing visitor behaviours whilst in the contemporary art exhibition, generating data on the length of visits, and how visitors made use of written information about the artworks. Discreetly observing how visitors reacted to the offer of information and conversation about the artworks with an Explainer. Interviewing visitors regarding their interaction with the Explainer. Transcribing conversations and producing a document of recommendations for Museum staff.
Collaborators
Visual Arts Collections and Exhibitions Manager, Nottingham City Museums and Galleries.
Simon Withers, Artist and Explainer, freelance.
Outcomes
Findings and recommendations regarding the potential benefits of Explainers (live interpretation) compiled into a document for museum staff, and delivered as a verbal presentation to the staff.
Funding
Nottingham City Council
Arts Council England
katyculbard.art 