Culture Syndicates CIC

 Lyndsay Thomson has been assigned to work at the Museum of Cambridge on a CS user audience evaluation project, which involves speaking to visitors face to face about their visit to the Museum, as well as the impact of Covid-19 on their leisure activities in this blog she describes what she encounters. Ready for work During a lull in visitors, I had the opportunity to discover the ‘hidden gem’ that is the Museum of Cambridge. The museum is housed in an old public house, dating back to the 1600s, which was situated on a busy crossroads, with rooms upstairs for tired travellers to rest and eat before continuing their journey. The public house closed in the 1930s and the building was then purchased by the local council who converted it into a local museum, showcasing the personal life and work of local people with everyday objects. Front and side of the museum and a bit about the public house The journey, back in time begins as the visitor steps through the front door, on the wall fac...

  1. What has your education and subsequent career path been? I left secondary school in 1983, with a handful of O levels and CSEs. I continued my education at night school to gain further GCSEs and A levels as well as qualifications in typing and word-processing. Approximately 10 years ago I had a change in my personal circumstances and I re-entered education at the age of 45 to undertake a level 3 extended diploma in Art and Design, which lead to a BA in Contemporary art and design, and finally after a change in direction a Master’s in Public History and Heritage, at Derby University. My working life has been varied. I started my career on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS); which led me to work as a clerk/secretary in a small Solicitors office, were I considered going to university to pursue a law degree and take my career further in this sector. Other careers I have pursued: include training as a pub manager, delivering hospitality at a racecourse and football arena, working in call...

  1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background. I studied a full-time History BA at the University of Sheffield and a part-time History of Art MA at the University of Nottingham. I did everything a little later than most of my peers and was lucky that when I went to university there were bursaries to support my undergraduate degree and grants to pay for my MA. After my undergraduate ended, I felt completely lost whilst searching for heritage employment and did not seem to know where to begin. I knew nobody in the arts or heritage sector at this point and was the first in my family to go to university. I reached out to my nearest gallery, and I began volunteering in museums and art spaces between 2013 and 2018. I sent out an inquisitive email and got involved with young people’s programmes with interests in Art and Heritage at Nottingham Contemporary, followed by Nottingham Castle and Derby Museum and Art Gallery. I started paid work by regularly blogging for the univers...

Sector entrants! It is the beginning of the academic year, and many are starting on new pathways through work/education. This month we are exploring people’s educational routes and people’s alternative routes into heritage. We hope this will give the reader an insight into all the many ways others have broken into the industry. Getting that first break can be frustrating but also an exciting journey it’s good to see how others have navigated it or are navigating it. Image: Creswell Crags. Paul what has your education and subsequent career path been? I left school without qualifications and forged a career within the retail management, buying and training sectors, returning to academia in my 30s. I undertook a Humanities Degree followed by an MA in Heritage Management. My first role was as an Exhibition Researcher within the team which created ThinkTank in Birmingham. I gained useful knowledge in project management, exhibition development and the relocation of a large collection. These ...

Sector entrants! It is the beginning of the academic year, and many are starting on new pathways through work/education. This month we are exploring people’s educational routes and people’s alternative routes into heritage. We hope this will give the reader an insight into all the many ways others have broken into the industry. Getting that first break can be frustrating but also an exciting journey it’s good to see how others have navigated it or are navigating it. With the museum and heritage sector careers often requiring academic qualifications, although less-so as a consequence of ongoing reflection and activism, it may be that many professionals and students are considering either continuing in, or returning to, education, especially at higher levels. If you’re considering doing a PhD either now or in the future; whether to learn new skills, advance your knowledge, or to pursue a particular interest, you might find it helpful to learn more about the processes and experiences of s...

Sector entrants! It is the beginning of the academic year, and many are starting on new pathways through work/education. This month we are exploring people’s educational routes and people’s alternative routes into heritage. We hope this will give the reader an insight into all the many ways others have broken into the industry. Getting that first break can be frustrating but also an exciting journey it’s good to see how others have navigated it or are navigating it. Elizabeth Neathey:  Relationship Manager, Museums Arts Council England Elizabeth what has your education and subsequent career path been?  My education path has followed what I call a traditional route.  I took my first degree in History and Social Science at the University of Exeter. After two years in what I call the wildness years selling luggage I discovered my passion for heritage.  I volunteered at No1 Royal Crescent in Bath on my days off.  I was soon encouraged to explore a career in museums....

    1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background . I have worked for 28 years in the museums sector.  After graduating from the University of Exeter I returned to my home city of Bath where I found a job selling suitcases.  Not what I expected.  I noticed a volunteering opportunity at No1 Royal Crescent, Bath as a guide.  I applied and was soon welcomed to join the team. I learnt about the house and its contents which I shared with visitors.   The Administrator spoke to me about museum careers which made me consider options.   I applied to Nottingham Trent University and completed a postgraduate diploma in Heritage Studies.   I gained experience of museums through volunteering, at the Museum of Bath at Work and the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution. My first paid job was as a member of the project team at the Herbert Museum and Art Gallery in Coventry for an exhibition called Godiva City. I learnt about photographin...