The Art Engager (Claire Bown)
Explorez tous les épisodes de The Art Engager
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| 04 May 2021 | The Magic of Thinking Routines | 00:16:36 | |||||
Thinking routines are an essential part of the Visible Thinking in the Museum method and my core course, Visible Thinking in the Museum Online (VTMO). They have been a magical ingredient in helping me to confidently create engaging discussions around objects and artworks over the past 10 years. They’ve also been a great way to engage audiences to get them really interested in art and objects, making them curious and asking questions and, of course, getting them thinking. But what are thinking routines and how can you use them? And where does the magic happen? That’s what we’re discovering in episode 3!Links The Ultimate Thinking Routine List https://mailchi.mp/4dd4fbc3e870/ultimatethinkingroutinelist Making Thinking Visible : How to Promote Engagement, Understanding, and Independence for All Learners By Ron Ritchhart, Mark Church, and Karin Morrison The Power of Making Thinking Visible: Practices to Engage and Empower All Learners by Ron Ritchhart, Mark Church Artful Thinking http://www.pz.harvard.edu/projects/artful-thinking Agency by Design http://www.agencybydesign.org/ Out of Eden Learn https://learn.outofedenwalk.com/ Visible Thinking in the Museum Online www.thinkingmuseum.com/VTMO FREE CLASS : Getting Started with VTM Friday 7 May 15.00 hrs - sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/f2269441d126/springvtm | |||||||
| 12 May 2022 | From Good to Great: Personal Growth & Development for Museum Educators | 00:16:34 | |||||
A willingness to continue growing and developing is at the heart of our practice as museum educators, teachers and guides. We are never ‘done’ with learning. There is always a strong desire to keep honing our craft. Personal development keeps us motivated and pushes us out of our comfort zone. It helps us to keep innovating, experimenting and being creative. But, what are the best ways that we can grow and develop personally? Today I'm sharing 8 different ways to go from good to great…and can reach your full potential. | |||||||
| 30 Sep 2021 | 13 Tips for Getting Started with Thinking Routines | 00:20:20 | |||||
In the past week I’ve just started teaching my Visible Thinking in the Museum Online course (VTMO) to a group of international educators excited to start confidently leading discussions around art and objects. There’s always a buzz when we get going and an enthusiasm to learn as much as you can as quickly as possible. But I always try to slow down participants, so that they can take it one step at a time and build up their practice (and confidence) slowly. So this week’s episode is for all the new VTMO-ers and for anyone who has just started out using thinking routines to engage their audiences with art. Here are my top 13 tips for getting started! LINKS Support the show https://buymeacoffee.com/clairebown | |||||||
| 23 Feb 2023 | How to ask more open-ended questions | 00:18:16 | |||||
Today I’m returning to one of my favourite subjects - questions. I’m going to explore open-ended questions in detail - not just what they are, but why they are important and when you can use them for the best engagement. Plus, how can you get better at asking open ended questions and ask more of them in your programmes? How can you make sure that you don’t default to closed questions or recall questions? I'm sharing 4 ideas that will help you to ask more open-ended questions & keep the conversation flowing in an open and engaging way. Links The Art of Questioning Class with Claire Bown Download the 2023 Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download my free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 30 Jun 2022 | 9 Thinking Routines to Improve your Powers of Observation | 00:19:43 | |||||
In today’s solo episode, I’m talking about observation skills - why they are important and I’m sharing 9 thinking routines that you can use to boost your observation and description skills. As you’ll know from previous episodes, I’m really fascinated by observation and really interested in developing my skills in this area (I have LOADS of books on this subject!) Most of the time we are observing passively - missing out on a wide range of life that we simply don’t notice. The act of looking requires some work to improve it - but like a muscle we can train it to work better. So, today I'm sharing 9 thinking routines that you can use to improve your powers of observation or with your groups. Links Thinking Routines for Observation - FREE download of 9 thinking routine cheatsheets https://pages.thinkingmuseum.com/observation Episode web page Episode 6: 6 Essential Thinking Routines you Need in your Repertoire https://thinkingmuseum.com/2021/05/26/6-essential-thinking-routines-you-need-in-your-repertoire/ Episode 25: 3 Thinking Routines for Slow Looking and Drawing https://thinkingmuseum.com/2021/10/18/3-thinking-routines-for-slow-looking-and-drawing/ Episode 42 How to Read a Group https://thinkingmuseum.com/2022/03/02/how-to-read-a-group/ | |||||||
| 30 Apr 2021 | The moment when I first heard the words ‘Visible Thinking’ | 00:20:39 | |||||
In this first episode, I’m going to be talking about the main method I use to engage audiences with art and ideas - that’s my Visible Thinking in the Museum method which I started developing 10 years ago this year. The Visible Thinking in the Museum method is an easy-to-follow framework that allows educators to confidently lead engaging discussion-based sessions with art, objects and ideas with any audience. It takes elements of a framework called Visible Thinking from Harvard's Project Zero and combines them with museum education practices, facilitation techniques and questioning strategies. I didn’t know it at the time, but hearing the words ‘Visible Thinking’ was about to change everything. This method has influenced everything I’ve done in the past 10 years and has completely revolutionised the way I work. So, what is this Visible Thinking? How did I hear about it and how did I start to use it in my method? All will be revealed in this episode. Links Visible Thinking http://www.pz.harvard.edu/projects/visible-thinking 'Cultivating a Culture of Thinking in Museums' by Ron Ritchhart The Great Pustaha https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-great-pustaha/AQ2ZzxcN collection: Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, NL Madonna (After Omomá and Céline), 2008 collection: Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, NL | |||||||
| 21 Apr 2021 | Introducing the Art Engager Podcast | 00:02:36 | |||||
Welcome to The Art Engager podcast! This podcast here to help educators, guides and creatives engage their audiences with art, objects and ideas. Each week I’ll be sharing a variety of strategies, ideas and inspiration to help you to engage and connect with your audiences and confidently lead lively art and artefact discussions. Show highlights:
Links: For more details please see the thinkingmuseum website.
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| 29 Sep 2022 | Looking at life like a work of art with Marina Gross Hoy | 00:25:27 | |||||
Today I'm delighted to be talking to Marina Gross Hoy about how to look, and in particular, how to look at your daily life as if you were looking at a work of art. Marina Gross Hoy is a museum studies PhD candidate and a writer. Her doctoral research at the University of Quebec in Montreal focusing on how museums develop digital projects to create engaging experiences for visitors. She has a Master's in Museology from the École du Louvre, and she has previously worked on the education team at Agence France-Museums, the French agency that supported the creation of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Marina's writing, which is wonderful, explores how looking at daily life with the same gaze we use with art in a museum can open us up to wonder, wholehearted living, and empowerment. In today's episode, Marina shares how one evening in 2020, she realised that she would look more closely into a painting of a sunset than looking at the one right in front of her. And this led her to experimenting with what it would mean to look at her life like a work of art, using what she started calling 'the museum gaze'. In today's episode, Marina shares the main characteristics of 'the museum gaze' and how it works in practice. We discuss how observing life with the same gaze we use with art in a museum works in practice and the numerous benefits we can glean from a regular practice of looking at life in this way. Links Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Episode 7 How to Develop a Daily Slow Looking Practice Marina Gross-Hoy's website Marina's newsletter The Museum Gaze Marina's Instagram | |||||||
| 04 Nov 2021 | Slow Looking and Empathy | 00:25:41 | |||||
Today I’m delighted to be talking to Kenia Santos - an educator based in Brazil with specialisations and interests in art history, philosophical inquiry, social and emotional learning, thinking routines and slow looking. We discuss how she uses thinking routines in her work to encourage and develop slow looking, how she keeps her teenage students engaged for 3 hours in her art classes and how we can develop empathy through slow looking. Kenia is a passionate educator, slow looking enthusiast and a self-described art history nerd; a cat lover, free spirit and a friendly soul. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did! Links Masterclass - How to Develop Empathy through Slow Looking | |||||||
| 21 Apr 2022 | Inspiring Creative Writing Through Art with Mary Hall Surface | 00:31:58 | |||||
Today I’m delighted to be talking to playwright, theatre director, teaching artist and museum educator Mary Hall Surface about her work. We’re talking all things creative and reflective writing through art. As a museum educator, she uses both theatre and creative writing to expand perspective, uncover complexity, and deepen understanding. She is the founding instructor of National Gallery of Art’s Writing Salon in Washington DC, and a six-summer faculty member of Harvard’s Project Zero Classroom. Her plays have been produced at major professional theatres, museums, and festivals throughout the US, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, and Canada, including 4 art-inspired productions at the National Gallery of Art. During the pandemic, she has developed an online presence too - facilitating creative and reflective writing workshops and classes, all inspired by art for museums, schools, and arts centres throughout the US. Mary Hall and I have a lot in common and in today’s chat we talk about our love of close looking, thinking routines and how you can use artworks to inspire writing. We talk about a variety of projects that Mary Hall has been involved in at the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the different types of online workshops that she teaches. Mary Hall shares 4 wonderful tips for how you can improve your writing through art - so make sure you don’t miss those. We really could’ve talked for hours and I loved our chat. So, here it is - enjoy! LINKS Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Masterclass with Mary Hall Surface 26 April: Inspire Your Memoir Writing through Visual Art The SAAM Social-Emotional Learning Toolkit: https://americanart.si.edu/education/learn-from-home Link to Open Window, Collioure, 1905, Matisse https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.106384.html Link to Edward Hopper, People in the Sun, 1960, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/people-sun-10762 Mary Hall Surface - website and mailing list sign up: www.maryhallsurface.com Upcoming Smithsonian Associates workshop: Mothering: A Reflective Writing Workshop Upcoming Van Gogh/Mary Oliver Workshop: Springs’ Awakening: A Reflective Writing Workshop | |||||||
| 19 Aug 2021 | How to Use See Think Wonder in your Art Discussions | 00:17:42 | |||||
Today I’m doing a deep dive on the most famous and well-known thinking routine of them all - See Think Wonder. I’m going to share with you how you can use this thinking routine in your art discussions and why it’s one of the best routines for getting started with Visible Thinking in the Museum - my method for engaging and connecting with audiences, art and ideas. It’s actually the first thinking routine that I teach when I do a training with teams of educators or guides in a museum and the first routine that I teach on my popular VTMO course. STW is a GREAT thinking routine to use when you are new to Visible Thinking and a really good one to use at the beginning of a guided tour or museum programme. But what is it, how can you use it and, importantly, what's so special about it? All will be revealed today in episode 16! Links | |||||||
| 10 Feb 2022 | How to stay curious in your practice | 00:18:50 | |||||
As we get older, we ask fewer questions. We wonder less. We are less curious. We don’t lose the ability to be curious, we just don’t use or ‘exercise’ it as much. Further on in life people tend to expect answers rather than questions. Staying curious and wondering keeps your mind active and strong, makes you more receptive to new ideas, opens up new worlds and possibilities and brings excitement into your life. Likewise in our work as educators, guides, teachers and creatives, we need to keep curious ourselves in order to keep creating imaginative and lively guided tours, guided discussions and educational programmes. Today is the second part in our curiosity double-bill. Last week I talked about how to foster curiosity with your groups and gave you 3 ways to think about how you can cultivate more curiosity amongst participants. So in today’s episode, part 2, I’m talking about how we can stay curious ourselves in our practice. Links Subscribe to my Friday newsletter - The TM Weekly Todd Kashdan's book 'Curious? Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life' | |||||||
| 21 Oct 2021 | 3 Thinking Routines for Slow Looking and Drawing | 00:26:12 | |||||
This week’s episode is inspired by recent classes in the Visible Thinking Membership where we've been exploring the concept of using drawing and sketching for slow looking and observation. When people are learning how to draw, they actually learn how to observe first. And being a sketcher makes you a better observer - it’s as though you are seeing something for the first time when you’re trying to draw it. Today I’m talking about using drawing as an observational exercise. It’s not a test of how good your drawing skills are, it’s a test of how to use your eyes. 👀 Using drawing as a tool for slow looking enriches and enhances what you see. So here are 3 thinking routines that you can use for slow looking, extended observation and drawing. And at the end of this episode I’ll be sharing some ways to get over drawing apprehension - that feeling of nerves when someone asks you to draw. How can you help your group to feel comfortable and enjoy drawing with you? So do stick around to the end for those ideas too! Links How to Use Slow Complexity Capture to Slow Down and Explore Objects | |||||||
| 23 Mar 2023 | 3 New Thinking Routines to Try in Your Museum and Gallery Programmes | 00:22:27 | |||||
Are you tired of using the same old thinking routines in your museum and gallery programmes? Maybe it's time to try something new? In this week’s episode, I'm sharing three exciting thinking routines that you can add to your repertoire. These routines will help you engage your audience and encourage them to think creatively about art and objects.
Three new thinking routines for you to try out. I hope you find them helpful in engaging your audience with art and objects in a new and exciting way. Links EPISODE WEB PAGE Episode 6 - 6 Essential Thinking Routines You Need in your Repertoire Episode 16 - How to use See Think Wonder in your Art Discussions Episode 57 - How to End Well Episode 59 - 9 Thinking Routines to Improve your Powers of Observation Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 21 Jul 2022 | Bitesize: 7 Ways to Be Creative with Thinking Routines | 00:12:56 | |||||
When you get started with thinking routines, it’s worth getting to know a small handful of routines and using them repeatedly until you feel comfortable and confident using them. But once you have that confidence, something magical starts to happen. And this is where we can be more creative with thinking routines. Thinking routines are not rigid, inflexible structures. Unlike some protocols, you don’t always have to use them exactly as they are written, without any room for creativity. Think of thinking routines as flexible and malleable structures to guide thinking and conversations around art and objects. Be playful with them and experiment! In today’s episode I’m sharing 7 ways you can be uniquely creative with thinking routines. Listen in to find out how! Links Our Facebook Group - The Slow Looking Club Download my Ultimate Thinking Routine List Episode 16 - How to Use See Think Wonder in your Art Discussions Episode 6 - 6 Essential Thinking Routines you Need in your Repertoire | |||||||
| 24 Feb 2022 | 12 Reasons to Get Started with Slow Looking | 00:23:21 | |||||
Slow looking is simply the art of learning through observation. I’ve been working in this way for the last 10+ years and can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone - both as an individual practice and as a way of working with and connecting your participants to art and objects. But don’t just take my word for it. But, why would you want to slow down and spend time with just one artwork or object? Why is it important to practise paying attention and noticing more details? Looking at something slowly and carefully is in itself a rewarding process – the object or art work becomes more interesting the longer you look at it. But more than this, there are known benefits of slow looking and in this post, I’m going to take you through 12 reasons why you, yes, you, should get started with slow looking. LINKS Join the FREE Slow Looking Club Sign up for my Friday newsletter - The ™ Weekly The Art of Slow Looking in the Classroom In The Distracted Mind: Ancient Brains in a High Tech World, authors Adam Gazzaley and Larry D. Rosen | |||||||
| 02 Feb 2023 | Why inclusive language matters with Margaret Middleton | 00:28:51 | |||||
I’m talking to Margaret Middleton today about what inclusive language is and why it matters. Margaret Middleton is an American independent exhibit designer and museum consultant currently based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. With a degree in industrial design from the Rhode Island School of Design and over 15 years of experience in the museum field, they work at the intersection of design and social justice. We know museums aim to be welcoming places for everyone, but the ways museums communicate can unintentionally exclude and alienate visitors. Likewise, when we’re working as museum teachers, guides and educators the words we choose when we communicate can hide unconscious biases and assumptions, especially about subjects like “family.” 10 years ago, Margaret created a tool called the Family Inclusive Language chart which helps us to choose words that avoid labelling and making assumptions about the identities and relationships between museum visitors. We discuss:
This chat will make you more aware of the language and the words you use when you’re with visitors in the museum. And you’ll gain useful insight into how thoughtful word choices have the power to create connections and include everyone. Links Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Episode webpage (+ transcript) margaretmiddleton.com for Family Inclusive Language chart, helpful articles, and other free resources Welcoming Young Children into the Museum: A Practical Guide - Sarah Erdman, Nhi Nguyen, Margaret Middleton | |||||||
| 06 Apr 2023 | Slow Art and the Power of Slowing Down with Carl Honoré | 00:45:56 | |||||
Today on the podcast, I'm delighted to be talking to bestselling author, broadcaster, two-time TED speaker and voice of the Slow Movement, Carl Honoré. In this episode, Carl Honoré, author of "In Praise of Slow," shares his insights on the benefits of slowing down in every aspect of life. Our conversation centres around the slow movement, and how slowness can 'rehumanise' us in a culture that values speed above everything else. We also discuss the slow art movement and how museums and other cultural institutions can be more welcoming for visitors who want to take a slower approach to art. Main talking points:
Links Download my new Slow Art Guide Download the resource - how to look at art (slowly) Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Carl Honoré's website: Useful links www.carlhonore.info Carl Honoré on Social Media: TED Talk 'In Praise of Slow' | |||||||
| 12 Jan 2023 | 7 Ways to Refresh your Practice in 2023 | 00:27:49 | |||||
Today I’m sharing a variety of different ways to refresh your practice for 2023 so you don’t get stuck in a rut. Are you looking forward to designing and leading guided tours, art experiences, educational programmes in 2023? If, however, you’re not sure about your answers to those questions, or about how you feel about the coming year, then it’s definitely time to shake things up a little. If you’re feeling tired, jaded or uninspired, then it’s definitely time to make some changes. It’s a wonderful thing to do at any time of year, but especially at the start of a new year. If you continue to do things exactly as you've always done them, then you might end up feeling like you’re on auto-pilot, or start feeling a bit restless or even bored. It’s tempting to stick to the tried and tested formula - especially if it worked well last year - but making a few simple changes to your practice and the way you do things might help you to rediscover a passion and enthusiasm for your work. And this renewed enthusiasm will of course come across to your participants and might even be contagious. This episode is for you even if you’re not feeling stuck, perhaps you’re more than happy with the way you do things. But you may hear something here that you’d like to try out at some point this year. And your audience will thank you for it! So here are 7 different ways you can refresh your practice for the coming year. This episode is not about sweeping changes, this is about small changes that will have a big effect. Enjoy! Links The Art of Questioning - A 45 minute self-paced masterclass taking you step-by-step through the process of improving your questioning technique. Full of takeaway tools and exercises to help you consistently create, sort & evaluate your own questions. Other episodes to help you refresh your practice: Episode 29 - How to Develop a Reflective Practice Episode 52 - From Good to Great: How to Develop and Grow as an Educator Episode 53 - How to Define your Personal Facilitator Style Episode 60 Learn, Unlearn, Relearn Episode 77 - How to Show up in a Resourceful State Episode 64 - 4 Powerful Questions to Supercharge your Art Experiences Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 08 Dec 2022 | Throwback Thursday: How to get over a 'tumbleweed moment' | 00:22:29 | |||||
I’ve recently lost my voice so I’m taking some time to recover this week and sharing an episode from the back catalogue. Today I'm revisiting an episode about to survive tumbleweed moments. This episode first aired in Oct 2021. It takes a deep dive into what a tumbleweed moment is and how to get over one when it happens. I'm also exploring 7 ways to avoid one in the first place. A tumbleweed moment is a moment of silence or dead air. It can happen when you ask a question and you don’t get a response. Tumbleweed moments happen to all of us - whether we are seasoned pros or just starting out. Everyone gets them. This is also something that comes up time and time again when I do trainings. I always get asked the question, ‘But what if no-one says anything?’ So this is the ultimate guide. First I'm sharing some handy steps to work though to help you get over any tumbleweed moments you face. And at the end as I’ll share 7 ways to avoid one in the first place. LINKS Original Episode: Episode 23 How to Get Over a Tumbleweed Moment (And Avoid One in the Future) Episode 44 The 4 Elements of a Great Introduction Episode 10 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking Questions Episode 36 Quick ways to improve your questioning technique Episode 42 How to Read a Group | |||||||
| 16 Jun 2022 | Bitesize: How to End Well - Creating a Strong Conclusion for your Programmes | 00:11:18 | |||||
It’s time for another bitesize episode - a short and snappy episode that will give you a quick win or something to think about in less than 10 mins. Today I’m talking about why endings are important and sharing with you a 3 part framework for planning your strong conclusion. If the introduction is setting the scene for what’s to come, then the conclusion is most definitely when you wrap everything up, tie up any loose ends and leave your participants wanting more. The way you end your programme or guided tour is super-important. Great guides, educators and facilitators know that how you end things shapes people's memories of the experience. Find out how to go out with a bang, rather than a whimper in Episode 57! Links Priya Parker 'The Art of Gathering' | |||||||
| 18 Nov 2021 | How to develop a reflective practice | 00:26:44 | |||||
So in today’s episode I’m talking about how to develop a reflective practice in your work. A reflective practice is simply the art of thinking about or reflecting on what you do. It is a way of recognising, capturing and articulating what we’re learning on a moment by moment basis. By following any of the suggestions in this episode, you will develop a questioning approach to your work. You will stop and pause to think about why things are as they are and how they might be in the future. You will consider the strengths and areas of development in your own practice and consider how to develop your skills. First I'll share more about what reflective practice is and the benefits of introducing reflection as a practice into your work. Then I'm going to share 7 different ways you can use to develop your reflective practice and 3 tips to get you started. Links Episode 6 - 6 thinking routines you should have in your repertoire - including ESP+I | |||||||
| 16 Sep 2021 | The 6 core elements of my VTMO course (and why they're important) | 00:22:36 | |||||
Today I’m talking about the 6 core elements in my popular Visible Thinking in the Museum Online (VTMO) course - elements that you should also have in your educator repertoire to connect with your audience and engage them with art and objects. I'm sharing with you:
Next week, I’m teaching VTMO for the final time in the Visible Thinking membership. We start on 20 September! LINKS Support the show https://buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Visible Thinking in the Museum Online (VTMO) course - www.thinkingmuseum.com/vtmo | |||||||
| 16 Feb 2023 | How neutral do I have to be as a museum facilitator? | 00:14:59 | |||||
I often get asked about neutrality as a 'stance' for museum facilitators of discussions around art and objects. So today I'm addressing the question: How neutral do we need to be as a facilitator in the museum? Facilitation is a key part of creating engaging and interactive discussions around art and museum objects. As a facilitator, you are guiding the process, creating participation and activating the learning and engagement. But do you have to be neutral too? If you look at the general definition of a generic facilitator you will often see the word ‘neutral’ or ‘impartial’ used. What do these words actually mean? And what should we be neutral about? Is it even possible to be neutral as a museum facilitator? Neutrality is a tricky concept and this subject is always quite a thorny one in my classes and trainings. Listen to today's new episode to find out what I recommend. Links Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Episode 5 - The Art of Facilitation Episode 44 - The 4 Elements of a Great Introduction Episode 84 - Why Inclusive Language Matters with Margaret Middleton | |||||||
| 25 Nov 2021 | Art and Dementia with Catherine Chastney | 00:28:32 | |||||
For our thirtieth episode, I’m delighted to be talking to Catherine Chastney. Catherine is an art educator and owner of social enterprise I Picture This. Catherine’s work focuses on bringing art and the joy of discussing art to older people, from creating conversations in care homes, to creating art cards during lockdown and working with people living with dementia. In this chat we explore the strong values that guide Catherine's work - she is passionate about that anyone can look at and discuss art, she loves using art to bring people together and to improve wellbeing We talk to about the toolkit she has just published with the Wallace Collection for Looking at Art designed for anyone working or volunteering in care settings and, of course, her work with people living with dementia. Catherine shares some wonderful tips for discussing art with people with dementia - from creating trust seeking permission, active listening and creating space. This conversation will inspire you to think about how you might use art to bring people together, create conversations, forge connections and ultimately improve wellbeing. LINKS Masterclass - A dementia-friendly approach to art
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| 28 Jul 2022 | 4 Slow Looking Exercises for Summer | 00:13:50 | |||||
In an age where the average person checks their phone at least 85 times a day, our inundated brains are slowing down. We need to retrain ourselves to get better at sustained attention. And to learn to appreciate the benefits of it too. Spending time slow looking offers refuge from the rush and time to slow down and see the details. It’s the opposite of scanning and scrolling. “Always-on” behaviour is about being in a constant state of alertness without giving our full focus to anything. Slow looking is a wonderful alternative to life in the fast lane. The 4 activities I'll be sharing here are simple, effective ways to slow down, improve your observational skills and focus and notice more details around you. You can use these slow looking activities throughout the summer - either on your own or with friends and family and children. All of the activities are designed to help you develop your ability to see - and in doing so, spark creativity, curiosity and improve focus. You can do these activities with art, objects or with nature. You don’t have to be in a museum to do slow looking. They are designed to work in a range of environments, outside and inside. I hope they will contribute to a wonderful summer. Let’s get started! And don’t forget to share what you get up to on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #summerslowlooking Links Our Facebook Group - The Slow Looking Club Other recommended episodes on slow looking: Episode 2 - What is Slow Looking (and how do I get started?) Episode 7 - How to Develop a Daily Slow Looking Practice Episode 25 - 3 Thinking Routines for Slow Looking and Drawing Episode 41 - 12 Reasons to Get Started with Slow Looking Episode 56 - Learning to Love 'Boring' Objects through Slow Looking | |||||||
| 07 Mar 2024 | The Art Bridge: Boosting Confidence through Visual Literacy | 00:29:44 | |||||
Host Claire Bown chats with Sofie Vermeiren, about The Art Bridge, a long-term collaboration between Museum Leuven and a local school, exploring how art can boost children's self-confidence and visual literacy. Episode links Sofie Vermeiren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofie-v-172093167/ More info about the Art Bridge: https://www.mleuven.be/en/about-m/m-community/art-bridge https://www.mleuven.be/sites/default/files/2023-04/Publication_MaterDei_TheArtBridge.pdf Blog (in Dutch): https://kunstzone.nl/author/sofie-vermeiren/ The Art Engager Links:
If you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show! | |||||||
| 11 Jan 2024 | Bringing art to life in classrooms with Magic Lantern | 00:31:03 | |||||
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! Links Henri Rousseau Surprised (1891) Hans Holbein The Ambassadors (1533) The Townley Discobolus statue Magic 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 website | |||||||
| 22 Feb 2024 | Arts on prescription and museums: a conversation with Dr Tasha Golden | 00:39:15 | |||||
In this episode of the Art Engager podcast, host Claire Bown talks with Dr. Tasha Golden about the role arts and culture can play in public health, discussing Tasha's journey from singer-songwriter to public health scientist and the impact of social prescribing on healthcare. They delve into the ways museums are becoming active participants in community health, sharing examples and practical tips for cultural institutions. The conversation also covers the practical application of the Arts on Prescription field guide and the importance of inclusive access, diversity training, and self-care for educators and creatives in the arts. (0:00:13) - Dr. Tasha Golden's journey from musician to public health scientist and the success of the CultureRx pilot program. (0:12:15) - An in-depth look at social prescribing and arts on prescription's potential impact on social isolation. (0:18:14) - Museums promoting health and well-being through innovative programming and partnerships. (0:27:42) - The importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion training, trauma-informed practice, and self-care for creatives and educators. (0:38:11) - Wrap-up and resources. Links Arts on Prescription Field Guide https://www.tashagolden.com/fieldguide https://www.instagram.com/tasha.golden/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashagolden/ “How We Human,” Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Practice training — designed specifically for artists and arts organizations: http://www.tashagolden.com/training Get in touch with the show! Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List | |||||||
| 16 Mar 2023 | How to Create Intellectual Comfort | 00:19:04 | |||||
Today I’m exploring the concept of creating intellectual comfort in your museum and gallery programmes. In my (forthcoming) book Slow Looking at Art: The Visible Thinking in the Museum Approach I have a chapter dedicated to creating a collaborative culture in your museum and gallery programmes. As part of this chapter, I talk about how important it is to make participants feel not only psychologically safe, but also intellectually safe. Museums can be intimidating spaces. And this is particularly prevalent in art museums and around art in general. So many people feel that museums are not places for them, that there is a prerequisite amount of information required before you can enjoy being in a museum. Your job as a facilitator is to ensure that everyone feels confident and able to participate fully in your programme, whatever their motivation or knowledge level upon arriving. This is what it means to create intellectual comfort on a museum or gallery programme. In today's episode, I'm exploring what intellectual comfort is, why it's important and 8 ways you can foster it in your programmes. Links Episode 74 - How to Enjoy Art (without knowing anything about it) Episode 44 - The 4 elements of a great introduction Episode 48 - 10 types of questions you should never ask Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Articles quoted on Intellectual Safety: Critical Communities: Intellectual Safety and the Power of Disagreement - Ashby Butnor https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1005647.pdf The Importance of Intellectually Safe Classrooms for Our Keiki - Trevor Baba https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1237572.pdf | |||||||
| 01 Sep 2022 | 4 Powerful Questions to Supercharge your Art Experiences | 00:22:16 | |||||
I don’t really like big lists of ‘good’ or ‘great’ questions - for example, 50 questions to ask about art. These lists are OK for a quick source of inspiration or for a boost now and again, but it’s the list part that I don’t like - you’re not going to be carrying around a list with you in the museum. Instead it’s much better to work on your questioning technique with exercises and experimentation rather than trying to memorise or use big lists of questions. Working on your technique yourself will help you to phrase questions better in the moment, instinctively and naturally. And this will always work better than parrot-phrasing a question you read on a list. But there are some questions that I think are worth remembering. And these are the types of questions that have a really powerful effect when they are asked. So today I’m sharing 4 simple questions that will supercharge your art experiences. These are questions that can be used at any moment during your experience or guided tour to great effect. I’ve chosen questions that work for me time after time with all sorts of different groups, different artworks or objects, different types of museums and different situations. These are universally powerful questions - listen to episode 64 to find out what questions I've chosen! Links The 5 Golden Rules for Asking Brilliant Questions (Episode 4) 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking Questions (Episode 10) How to use artworks to improve your questioning skills (Episode 15) Quick ways to improve your questioning technique (Episode 36) ‘Bad’ questions - questions to avoid in your art experiences (Episode 48) Autumn Effect at Argenteuil (1873), Claude Monet, Courtauld Gallery, London, UK, Public Domain https://courtauld.ac.uk/highlights/autumn-effect-at-argenteuil/ Reyhan Hassanzadeh (2004) from the series: Terrorist, Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, NL https://khosrow-hassanzadeh.com/project/terrorist-paintings-03/ | |||||||
| 30 Mar 2023 | Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Art with Heather Thomas | 00:29:37 | |||||
In Episode 92, I'm chatting to Heather Thomas, the Head of Learning and Engagement at the Lightbox Museum and Gallery in Woking, UK. Heather talks about how their Art and Wellbeing programme of creative and therapeutic workshops provides opportunities for those that would otherwise not be able to access arts and heritage services. We discuss the guiding principles behind the Lightbox Museum and Gallery's work in learning and engagement, which has always included helping people with mental health issues or those who are isolated. We also discuss what the Open Mind project is and how it provides a safe space for individuals to come and learn something new, chat with others and engage with art. We talk about how Open Mind tours prioritise connection over content and are wholly participant-led, open conversations that take their cues directly from the participants, not the facilitator. Finally, we talk about the positive outcomes of the programme and the Lightbox's plans for the future. Links Lightbox website: www.thelightbox.org.uk Museums Journal (Museums Association UK) article: https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/analysis/2022/11/its-time-for-museums-to-address-mental-health/ Baring report: https://baringfoundation.org.uk/resource/creatively-minded-at-the-museum/ Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/ Catalyst: https://www.catalystsupport.org.uk/ If you are struggling, please contact Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ Young Minds website for children and young people: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/ | |||||||
| 09 Mar 2023 | What if objects could talk with Hannah Cushion | 00:39:44 | |||||
I have a guest for you today on the show. I’m really happy to be talking to Hannah Cushion about her work as an artist and educator. Hannah is an artist and museum educator working in London and Oxfordshire in the UK. Her work is interested in themes around archiving and preservation. She’s interested in why we keep the things we keep and who we're keeping them for. Since receiving a creative practice grant from Arts Council England in 2021, Hannah has been looking at ways to directly connect her museum practice with her art practice. This has led to the development of the Memory Bank Project, a collection of stories and memories connected to everyday objects. In our chat today, Hannah and I discuss how inclusivity, curiosity, and the opportunity to collaborate with people and to create meaningful connections with objects and between people are really important values in her practice. Museum labels tell us one story but what if the objects themselves could talk? How do we encourage people to include their own stories and experiences when we talk about objects? As this project develops Hannah is exploring how she can adapt her skills as a facilitator to her role as a story collector. We talk about what the Memory Bank Project is, how it works and how Hannah encourages participants to share their personal connections, stories, experiences and memories around an object. And we tell you how you can take part too! So here it is, enjoy! Links Episode Web Page https://www.hannahcushion.com/the-memory-bank Instagram: @hannahcushionartist @thememorybankproject Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly) Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 13 Apr 2023 | Exploring Slow Art Day and Slow Looking with Phyl Terry | 00:42:38 | |||||
Episode 94 of the Art Engager features another special guest, Phyl Terry, Founder of Slow Art Day. Slow Art Day is an annual event that encourages participants worldwide to look at and discuss art slowly. To date, over 1,500 museums and galleries on every continent, including Antarctica's McMurdo Station, have participated in Slow Art Day. I first got in touch with Phyl back in 2013 when I heard about Slow Art Day. Today, we resume our conversation 10 years later about the importance of slowing down and spending more time with art.
The conversation is filled with insights and reflections on the importance of slowing down and spending more time with art. Don't miss this one! Links Episode Web Page (with transcript) Download my free Slow Art Guide https://www.instagram.com/slowartday/ https://www.facebook.com/SlowArtDay Slow Art Day 2022 Annual Report Episode 46 What is Slow Art Day | |||||||
| 03 Nov 2022 | How to talk about climate activist protests in art museums | 00:18:19 | |||||
Today’s episode follows on from a popular post I wrote on social media recently about how to talk about the recent climate activist protests in art museums with your participants. I wanted to take the opportunity to explore the subject in a bit more detail here. Art has been hitting the headlines recently with numerous climate activist protests targeting famous paintings in museums - from Van Gogh’s 'Sunflowers' in the National Gallery in London, to Monet’s 'Grainstacks' in Potsdam and Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' in the Mauritshuis in The Hague. Now, whatever your views about these attacks - and I’m acknowledging here that there are very passionate views on all sides - as educators, how we respond is equally important. Whether you’re working with groups in the museum or with students in a classroom, people will mention recent events and will want to talk about it. They may even ask you for your opinions So, in today's episode we'll explore how these events are an opportunity to engage in perspective-taking and discussion with visitors, rather than voicing our own opinions. It means listening to a range of perspectives and keeping an open mind, creating discussion with visitors and inviting them to explore and even understand the different perspectives involved. But, importantly, you have to feel comfortable creating conversations about contentious issues such as these and know that you will be able to facilitate objectively. So, first I’ll talk about the kinds of discussions you could facilitate around this subject and will share a range of thinking routines and questions that you can use to create conversations. And secondly, I’ll take you through a super-useful exercise that will help you to get to know yourself and your feelings better - this is an exercise that will ultimately help you to facilitate subjects around all kinds of sensitive and contentious topics. There are lots of resources associated with today's episode too, including a free PDF summary sheet - and I've shared all the helpful links below. LINKS Download the summary sheet of today's episode - Resources for talking about contentious issues (free PDF) 6 thinking routines for perspective-taking (free PDF) Episode 11 Step Inside: Thinking Routines to Foster Perspective-Taking Episode 43 Tips for facilitating meaningful discussions around sensitive subjects Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook | |||||||
| 02 May 2024 | Fostering curiosity and critical thinking on self-guided field trips | 00:35:04 | |||||
Today, I'm excited to chat with Kylie Neagle about fostering curiosity and critical thinking on self-guided field trips for teachers and students. Kylie Neagle is the Education Coordinator at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) in Adelaide . With a small team and limited resources, catering to diverse student needs can be challenging. Volunteer Gallery Guides, though invaluable, cannot always provide guided tours. At the Art Gallery of South Australia in Adelaide (AGSA), this prompted a shift towards empowering teachers to lead self-guided tours, emphasising inquiry and engagement rather than content delivery. The aim is to discourage teachers from relying on booklets during gallery visits. When students solely focus on facts or information from wall texts, they miss out on the chance to discover artworks that genuinely pique their interest. And this is where the Curiosity Cards come into play. These fantastic cards are a set of 52 tools designed to enhance art engagement among students. Perfect for self-guided gallery visits, they ease the pressure on teachers and empower students to articulate their thinking. They promote 'long looking' and also foster critical thinking, creativity and confidence in discussing art, enriching the whole learning experience. Episode Links:Episode webpage + transcript: https://thinkingmuseum.com/2024/05/15/fostering-curiosity-on-self-guided-field-trips/ Curiosity Cards https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/education/resources-educators/resources-educators-themed/curiosity-cards/ Other AGSA Resources https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/education/resources-educators/ AGSA Education Instagram https://www.instagram.com/agsa.education/ The Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspiration Join the Slow Looking Club Community Support the show here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Download my free resources: How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museum Slow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow looking Ultimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one place If you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show! | |||||||
| 23 Nov 2023 | Engaging and connecting with young people in museums | 00:23:02 | |||||
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:
Listen in to explore the challenges, strategies, and potential solutions around the subject of youth engagement in museums. Links Download my free Slow Art Guide Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Get in touch with Leonie Delaey to discuss her research on LinkedIn | |||||||
| 28 Apr 2022 | Pictures of Practice with Gabrielle Grime | 00:37:17 | |||||
Today on our 50th episode, I'm launching a new series of episodes all about 'pictures of practice'. I'm really interested is in finding out how other museum educators around the world engage their audiences with art and objects. What are some of the practices that are really important to them? How might they use thinking routines, or slow looking, questioning or facilitation? For our very first Pictures of Practice, I'm talking today to Gabrielle Grime is a Heritage Education Officer at Wanneroo Regional Museum in Australia. She believes museums can be places of sanctuary which foster wellbeing, as well as sparking creativity, wonder and connection. Gabrielle read about the Peel the Fruit thinking routine on my blog and decided to give it a go with a group of primary school children. She speaks about this powerful experience in today’s chat and how it moved some people in the group to tears. She then followed my VTMO course last year and is now a member of my community of practice The Thinking Museum Membership. Gabrielle shares how she is applying a number of ideas from the course and the continuing membership classes in her work. In this chat we talk about what values inform her practice, how she's going to use slow looking with Front of House staff in a pilot programme and what thinking routines she loves to use. Gabrielle also shares why she stays up until 11pm or midnight to attend classes! We talk about questioning, facilitation and being part of a community of educators learning, exploring and sharing together. I know you’re going to love listening to Gabrielle - and hope her enthusiasm inspires you as much as it did me - enjoy! LINKS EPISODE WEB PAGE Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Visible Thinking in the Museum Online Course - starts 09 May! The Thinking Museum Membership Connect with Gabrielle Grime on LinkedIn | |||||||
| 27 Oct 2022 | Reacting to art with our bodies with Rachel Ropeik | 00:47:53 | |||||
Today I’m talking to Rachel Ropeik about her work. We’re talking about how we can use our bodies to react to art & the many ways in which we can incorporate movement into museum learning. Rachel Ropeik is an educator, facilitator, adventurer, experience builder and pirate who brings thoughtful, playful, and progressive approaches to catalysing change in arts and culture. She currently works independently, sharing her skills with various clients. Before going independent, Rachel’s arts education career spanned many a major art museum and travel company in New York, London, Paris, and the internet. I first heard of Rachel’s work more than 10 years ago as part of a small group of educators that I admired and followed for their innovation and experimentation in the art museum education space. In our chat today, we talk about Rachel's work past and present and the values and principles that guide her practice. We focus on why movement has been and still is such an important part of her work and how we can incorporate more movement into our programmes. Rachel shares many examples of the different ways in which she has used movement in different programmes, with different groups and artworks over the years. We talk about how we can create physical comfort and put people at ease so that we can use movement without any fear or feelings of uncomfortableness. Rachel shares tools and techniques that we use to incorporate a range of movement into the way we lead our museum programmes. And also how we can use movement ourselves as a way to become more present, aware and reflective. Finally, Rachel shares 3 amazing books that you all must read immediately. Do stay tuned for her recommendations! LINKSJoin the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Rachel Ropeik on LinkedIn Rachel Ropeik on Instagram https://rachelropeik.com/connect#subscribe Books recommended by Rachel: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker Be More Pirate by Sam Conniff Wintering by Katherine May BBC Radio 4 abridged version of Wintering by Katherine May: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00127f5 | |||||||
| 13 Jan 2022 | 9 Ways Art Can Make you a Better Writer | 00:16:58 | |||||
Today we’re exploring 9 different ways that looking at art can make you a better writer. Throughout the ages, looking at art has been a unique way of finding inspiration and creativity. If you go as far back as the Greeks, you can find examples of writing inspired by art, called ekphrasis, which means “a literary description of or commentary on a visual work of art” Art is a frequent source of inspiration for many writers and poets over the centuries. John Keats’ “Ode on a Grecian Urn” is a famous example and William Blake said that poetry and art are ‘ways to converse with paradise’. But how does this work for us, mere mortals with a keen interest in improving our creative or reflective writing? In this week’s episode I’m exploring 9 ways looking at and discussing art can make you a better writer. | |||||||
| 25 May 2023 | Creating Cultures of Thinking in Museums with Ron Ritchhart | 00:46:52 | |||||
In this special 100th episode of The Art Engager podcast, I'm chatting to educator, researcher, author, and speaker Dr Ron Ritchhart. Ron Ritchhart is an award-winning educational researcher, retired Senior Research Associate at Harvard's Project Zero and current Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His research is focused on developing intellectual character, making thinking visible, and enhancing school and classroom culture to promote deep learning. He is the author of the bestselling books Making Thinking Visible, The Power of Making Thinking Visible, and Creating Cultures of Thinking. Ron's research and writings have informed the work of schools, teachers, museum and museum educators throughout the world. Making Thinking Visible, from 2011, with Karin Morrison and Mark Church popularised the use of thinking routines to facilitate deep learning and high engagement. The follow up book The Power of Making Thinking Visible, introduced a new set of routines and shared what has been learned so far about successfully integrating thinking routines as a powerful teaching tool. I’ve written and spoken about the first time I heard the words Visible Thinking and making thinking visible on the very first episode of this podcast so it seemed fitting to interview Ron for the 100th episode. I’ve also talked about how Ron’s article ‘Cultivating a Culture of Thinking in the Museum in the Journal of Museum Education had a huge impact on me and on my first educational programme to use thinking routines in 2011. So to speak to Ron today was a bit of a ‘pinch-me’ moment. In this interview, we discuss:
Thank you to Ron Ritchhart for being a guest on the podcast. Ron’s new book, "Cultures of Thinking in Action," is out in June 2023. Links EPISODE WEB PAGE (TRANSCRIPT) My book is out in September - Slow Looking at Art: The Visible Thinking in the Museum Approach Download my free Slow Art Guide Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook | |||||||
| 27 Jul 2023 | Trauma-informed practice in museums with Jackie Armstrong | 00:50:20 | |||||
Today I’m talking to Jackie Armstrong, Associate Educator Visitor Research and Experience at MoMA in New York, about trauma-informed practice in museums. We’re exploring trauma-informed practice in museums, what it is, what it looks like and how museums can implement it into their culture and into their programming. We discuss MoMA's Artful Practices for Well-Being initiative, which offers trauma-informed programming and experiences. Jackie also shares insights on MoMA's slow looking programme and provides advice on adopting trauma-informed practices in your work. Content warning: please note that this episode contains brief references to sensitive topics. Please take care when listening. Links Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Download my free slow looking resources: how to look at art (slowly) and my simple Slow Art Guide Jackie Armstrong's website: https://www.jackie-armstrong.com/ Jackie Armstrong on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jackie_Armstron Articles on museums and trauma-informed practice: Museums Must Become More Trauma-Informed 3 Trauma-Informed Practices for Museums to Follow Mentioned in this episode: Dr Peter Levine Somatic Experiencing Dr. Karen Treisman’s book “A Treasure Box for Creating Trauma-informed Organizations: A Ready-to-Use Resource for Trauma, Adversity, and Culturally Informed, Infused and Responsive Systems" for trauma-informed principles and values Artful Practices for Well-Being Dr Glenn Patrick Doyle on Twitter | |||||||
| 05 Jan 2023 | How to design and lead engaging family tours with Sarah Ciacci | 00:36:02 | |||||
Today I'm really happy to be chatting to Sarah Ciacci about her wonderful work as a family tour specialist. We’re exploring how to engage and inspire families on a guided tour. Sarah Ciacci has been a Professional Blue Badge Guide for London since 2008 and specialises in family tours and art tours. She set up Tours For My Kids to provide inspiring and engaging tours to families in London and Rome She is also a Blue Badge art tutor for trainee guides training in the National Gallery, Tate Modern and Tate Britain. She is an accredited lecturer of the Arts Society, a university lecturer, a gallery educator and runs regular courses and independent lectures on a variety of art historical periods. In our chat today, we talk about the values and principles that guide and shape her work and What made her decide to focus on working with families We explore what families actually want from museums and heritage (and what they quite often get instead) We talk about how she engages children and their parents with art and history and the techniques she uses. How she designs AND facilitates for engagement using variety and pace. We talk about whether it’s all about the kids or whether the parents get involved too. And how you might design intergenerational tours. I’ve led many many family tours in the past too and we have a good chat about what works and what doesn’t with family tours. Sarah and I seem to be on the same wavelength about so many things! This is a lovely chat about creating engaging family experiences with art, objects and even buildings. Enjoy! Links Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Tours for My Kids Website: www.toursformykids.com Social Media www.instagram.com/toursformykids | |||||||
| 16 Dec 2021 | Listening with Full Attention with Claire Bradshaw | 00:38:25 | |||||
This week I’m delighted to be talking to Claire Bradshaw. Claire is an experienced coach, trainer and facilitator who brings a lot of positive energy and curiosity to her work. In today’s chat we talk about the values that drive her work, listening with full attention, the power of questions, and her passion for outdoor coaching. We talk about the similarities between her work and the work we do facilitating discussions around artworks with participants. We discuss the importance of listening skills and what good listening is. Claire shares a variety of tips for how you can develop your listening skills - including some practical exercises too! LINKS Consciously Connected Newsletter Julian Treasure 5 Ways to Listen Better | |||||||
| 15 Jun 2023 | Claire's Favourites: How to Read the Room | 00:16:31 | |||||
For the next few weeks I’m choosing my favourite episodes from the back catalogue of the podcast. With over 100 episodes to now choose from, I’m taking this opportunity to revisit some of the episodes I’ve most enjoyed putting together. This week we're exploring the art of how to read the room. When it comes to working with groups in a museum or any other setting, being able to "read the room" is a valuable skill. Understanding the mood in the room and how receptive people are can make a significant difference in your interactions. In this rebroadcast episode, I'm exploring the art of reading a room and providing practical tips to help you enhance your ability to understand and connect with your audience. LINKS Join our FREE community The Slow Looking Club | |||||||
| 27 Jun 2024 | Slow looking and social interaction in museums with Sasha Igdalova | 00:48:30 | |||||
Today, I'm talking to Sasha Igdalova about the exciting research she’s been conducting over the past few years around aesthetic experience, slow looking and social interaction in museums. Aleksandra (Sasha) Igdalova is an interdisciplinary researcher in the final year of her Psychology PhD at Goldsmiths, University of London conducting large-scale, experimental studies on slow looking within exhibition spaces at Manchester Art Gallery. Her work investigates how popular engagement strategies may be used to increase aesthetic experience and well-being Listeners to this podcast will know that slow looking has gained in popularity in museums worldwide over the last decade or so. But there hasn’t been much research on its effectiveness, until now. In today's chat, we explore two studies - the first study to look at the impact of slow looking in an online environment. This study explores how different audio contexts and types of art affect people's moods and engagement levels in online viewing. The second study is the first large-scale experiment to investigate how social interaction impacts the art museum experience. This study took place in Manchester Art Museum’s fabulous dedicated slow looking space known as Room to Breathe. We discuss the implications of both studies for educators..and so much more! This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in slow looking, aesthetic experiences in museums, and the benefits of group interactions for overall well-being in museum environments. Episode Links:Episode 24 Using art and objects to learn wellbeing skills and improve mental health with Louise Thompson Aleksandra (Sasha) Igdalova Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandra-sasha-igdalova-a66770106/ Website: www.aleksandraigdalova.com Researchgate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aleksandra-Igdalova Articles on slow looking: First ever study examining how social interaction impacts art viewing: https://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/x9wrt First ever study looking at slow looking in an experimental manner (online study): https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-59333-001 Free access to it here: https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/33048/9/Igdalova%20&%20Chamberlain%20(2023)%20Slow%20looking%20at%20still%20art.pdf CREA interdisciplinary workshop: www.crea-workshop.com The Art Engager Links:The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums - sign up for the waitlist to hear when my book will be published! Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspiration 09 Feb 2023 | 6 benefits of using thinking routines with art and objects | 00:23:10 | | ||||
I know thinking routines are a huge crowd pleaser. I’m their biggest fan too - they have fundamentally changed the way I lead discussions around art and objects. Used in combination with the other 7 practices of the VTM approach such as good questions, a range of facilitation skills, slow looking and more, you can create wonderfully engaging discussions in the museum about art and objects. Used as part of a holistic approach, thinking routines will transform the way you work with objects and with audiences in the museum. Thinking routines have wonderful benefits for the participants in your guided tours and educational programmes. But I also believe thinking routines are incredibly useful and beneficial tools for you too - as a museum educator, guide, docent or teacher. And so today I’m going to focus on you - and I’m going to share some 6 key benefits you’ll get from working with these magical structures with art and objects. I going to talk about why routines are beneficial, the importance of structure, the flexibility of routines, how they help you to master sharing information and improve your questioning technique. And finally I’m ending with probably the biggest benefit of all - so stay tuned for that one! Links Download The Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download my free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Episode 3 - The Magic of Thinking Routines Episode 62 - 7 Ways to be creative with thinking routines Episode 12 - 6 Best Practices for Sharing Information Episode 36 - Quick Ways to Improve your Questioning Technique | |||||||
| 07 Apr 2022 | Throwback Thursday: 4 thinking routines for perspective-taking | 00:22:04 | |||||
As you may or may not know, I’ve recently had Covid (and you can probably hear it in my voice) I’m taking some time to recover. So as we’re approaching 50 episodes, I thought I would take the time today to revisit an episode from the back catalogue. Today we’re revisiting an episode all about thinking routines that you can use for perspective-taking. This episode first aired in July 2021. It takes a deep dive into what perspective-taking is, and why it matters. Then I look at 4 essential perspective-taking thinking routines that you can use in your programmes - from the ever-so-useful Step Inside (one of my all-time faves), to new thinking routine Step In Step Out Step Back, via Circle of Viewpoints and little-known thinking routine Point of View. If you are leading any type of programme with groups then you need to have a perspective-taking thinking routine in your repertoire. As I say in this episode, perspective-taking is a crucial skill for all types of relationships - both professional and personal. And I believe we have a responsibility to encourage perspective-taking - In doing so, we might not only serve our audiences better, but also model a kinder society. LINKS Ellen Galinsky ‘Mind in the Making’
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| 23 Sep 2021 | How to Use your Voice to Engage your Audience | 00:25:29 | |||||
Today I’m really excited to be introducing our first guest chat on the podcast - Samantha Boffin. Samantha is a voice actor, director and audio drama coach working with clients on voice technique, voiceover and communication. Your voice is one of your biggest assets when it comes to storytelling, entertaining and engaging your audience. In this episode, you will discover how to look after it, use it and make the most of it with simple, fun and actionable techniques. Samantha shares some wonderful tips and techniques that we can all use to make the most of our voice and use it in the best way possible. We discuss:
Sam is very generous with her advice and shares lots of gold here – so you might need to make notes! Links Find Samantha's Masterclass 'Your voice: How to Look after it, use it and engage your audience' in my membership programme LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-boffin/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/samanthaboffin/ Taking Creative podcast https://samanthaboffin.co.uk/talkingcreative/
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| 09 Dec 2021 | 6 Ways to Create Awe-Inspiring Experiences with Art and Objects | 00:24:35 | |||||
Awe is an emotion that can be triggered by being around something larger than yourself, that’s not immediately understandable. It's that feeling you get when you look up and see millions of stars in the night sky; witness a beautiful landscape or set eyes on an artwork for the first time. Museums and galleries, historic settings and buildings can all provoke awe. And you can foster more of it in your programmes by thinking carefully about the artworks, objects you include, the questions you ask and the information you share. How about you try to sprinkle some awe-moments throughout your next guided tour or educational programme? So today, I’m talking about what awe is, why it’s important and sharing 6 ways you can create awe-inspiring experiences with art and objects. At the end I’ll be sharing 3 things to look for to check you’ve succeeded in inspiring awe in your audience. LINKS Dacher Keltner quote taken from Psyche - How to Fill your Life with More Awe Every Day Dacher Keltner & Jonathan Haidt Approaching Awe: A Moral, Spiritual and Aesthetic Emotion Dacher Keltner's 8 Wonders of Modern Life | |||||||
| 24 Mar 2022 | What we can learn from improv with Samantha Boffin | 00:32:59 | |||||
You may remember Samantha Boffin as she was my first guest on the show (Episode 21) and now she is the first guest to come back for a second episode. Besides being a voiceover artist, Sam is also an actor. Sam also does an improv class every week and believes that we are all expert improvisers - we just don’t realise we are. In this episode, Sam is sharing what improv is and how it can help us as educators in our own practice and when we’re with our groups leading programmes about art. We also talk about how improv makes you a better listener, how it makes you more confident and flexible and to not be afraid of failure. We discuss how we might be able to use improv techniques and games with our groups - from Yes, and…, Narrative, Colour, Emotion and line-by-line stories via Humpty Dumpty and Brian the washing machine repair man. We discuss how you can make your audience feel safe and comfortable using improv techniques. We had a really lovely chat and I hope you enjoy it. Here it is! LINKS Episode Web Page Masterclass 29 March 'Improv your Engagement’ The Improv Handbook by Tom Salinsky & Deborah Frances White How to be the Greatest Improviser - Will Hines Taking Creative podcast Paul Merton interview: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00159s7 | |||||||
| 01 Jun 2023 | Claire's Favourites: How to Cultivate Curiosity on your Museum and Gallery Programmes | 00:21:11 | |||||
For the next few weeks I’m choosing my favourite episodes from the back catalogue of the podcast. With 100 episodes to now choose from, I’m taking this opportunity to revisit some of the episodes I’ve most enjoyed putting together. Today's choice is all about curiosity. This was a really popular episode back in February 2022 when it was first published and was the first of two episodes about the subject. In this episode I’m talking about how you can cultivate curiosity with your groups. This episode talks about what curiosity is and why it matters. Then I'm sharing 3 key ways you can cultivate curiosity in your museum and gallery programmes. How can we really ensure that we are doing all we can to provoke curiosity and wonder amongst the participants on our tours and programmes? Links Episode Web Page Episode 39 - How to Stay Curious in your Practice Ian Leslie's book Curious My book is out in September - Slow Looking at Art: The Visible Thinking in the Museum Approach Download my free Slow Art Guide Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 17 Mar 2022 | The 4 elements of a great introduction | 00:15:18 | |||||
A good introduction is essential to foster a great group dynamic. An introduction is crucial on any type of programme - whether you’re leading a guided tour, an educational programme, a 15 minute in-gallery conversation or an online session. At this stage, group participants are learning what to do, how the tour or programme is going to operate, what is expected and what is acceptable. It’s your role to give them the orientation they need. And more than that, a good introduction is about about placing connection before content - you're establishing trust, forming connections, and building rapport. Today I’m talking about introductions - why they’re important and the 4 elements of a great introduction. LINKS EPISODE WEB PAGE Join our free Facebook Community | |||||||
| 06 Oct 2022 | How to use body language to create engagement | 00:16:37 | |||||
Body language is defined as ‘the conscious and unconscious movements and postures by which attitudes and feelings are communicated’. When we talk about body language we’re talking about a wide range of human expression - such as posture, eye contact, use of space, voice, gesture, and so on. And these are signals that communicate with us nonverbally, they are ‘wordless signals’ that can be indicators of engagement. These signals are quite often done instinctively, rather than consciously too. Being both aware of and able to read these signals helps us to create connections and build rapport with our groups and thus to create engaged groups. So during this episode think about what signals you are sending to your group through your body language. Are you putting people at ease, building trust and connecting people to you by your body language? Or does your body language undermine what you’re saying or doing in the museum? And also, how can you use what I’m talking about here to better read your group and build more engagement? Links Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Listen Like You Mean It by Ximena Vengoechea Amy Cuddy's Ted Talk | |||||||
| 02 Sep 2021 | Common Fears Around Leading Discussion-Based Programmes (and How to Deal with Them) | 00:20:20 | |||||
Leading tours and educational programmes that are based on discussion, inquiry and interaction can be a scary business. Both for you and for your participants. And if you’re about to take your first steps, it might seem really daunting. However, do remember that any concerns you have are perfectly normal and you’re not alone (we’ve all been there and had to start somewhere). Take it one step at a time and with time, practice and guidance, it will get easier (I promise!). In this podcast episode, I’m going to summarise the most common fears and concerns about leading discussion-based programmes that I’ve heard over the last 20 years, along with suggestions for ways to overcome them. LINKS Support the Show - https://buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Visible Thinking in the Museum Online (VTMO) - www.thinkingmuseum.com/vtmo The Art Engager, Episode 12: Best Practices for Sharing Information - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/edd22a39-daa0-46f4-9444-5d6eb656164b The Art Engager, Episode 4: The 5 Golden Rules for Asking Questions - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8de302e0-94ce-4c79-8486-b0b92f83210d | |||||||
| 19 Jan 2023 | Making space and time for slow looking | 00:20:09 | |||||
I’m talking today about making space and time for slow looking. So if you've been listening to the podcast for a while, you'll know that I've been practising the art of slow looking for a long time now the last 11/12 years. And it's very much a personal practice and also something that I use with groups of all ages with a variety of objects, artworks, situations and places. But why is it so important to incorporate slow looking into your guided tours, educational programmes and art experiences? In today's episode you'll hear:
If you're not making space and time for slow looking, then you're really missing a trick - listen to today's episode about making the space and time for slow looking and embed it as a fundamental part of all your programmes. Links Episode 2 - What is slow looking (and how can I get started?) Episode 7 - How to Develop a Daily Slow Looking Practice Free resource - Thinking Routines for Observation Free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 18 May 2023 | Striking the right pace in museum programmes: less is more | 00:23:26 | |||||
Welcome to episode 99, where I'm diving into the concept of pacing in museum and gallery programmes, with a particular focus on the idea that "less is more." Pacing directly influences the participant experience. A well-paced programme ensures that your participants stay engaged, attentive and receptive throughout their journey. By carefully managing the rhythm and flow of stops, activities and information, we can create a balance that keeps our participants engaged without overwhelming or exhausting them. "Less is more" is a guiding principle that encourages us to intentionally selecting and presenting a smaller quantity of content, activities, or object, so that we can create more impactful and meaningful experiences for visitors. In this episode, I'll share how this can be achieved by:
Find out why pacing matters and how you can apply the principle of "less is more" in your own programmes to create a more focused and engaged experience for your participants. Links My book is out in September - Slow Looking at Art: The Visible Thinking in the Museum Approach Download my free Slow Art Guide Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Episodes mentioned in today's episode: Episode 98 Radio Bart: Exploring Art with Blind Mediators Episode 42 How to Read a Group Episode 69 How to use body language to create engagement Episode 95 How silence is a superpower in museum and gallery programmes Episode 96 7 Ways to Make Time and Space for Silence Episode 29 How to Develop a Reflective Practice | |||||||
| 13 Oct 2022 | Deconstructing the traditional guided tour with Hanna Piksen | 00:23:24 | |||||
Today I’m so happy to be talking to Hanna Piksen about deconstructing the traditional guided tour and creating a completely new experience where guides are given free rein to design and lead the tour entirely from their own perspective. Hanna Piksen is the Head of Co-learning at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam. This is the national museum for digital culture, design and architecture in the Netherlands. Hanna has a background in art history, art education and in collaborating with artists. She believes that the most valuable and unexpected things happen when museum education is content based, visitor focused and experiment driven. In today’s episode Hanna talks to me about the Detour Experiences that she has developed in Het Nieuwe Instituut. Detours are unlike any other guided tour you have been on. Detours are deconstructed museum tours that give their guides the flexibility to present information in a way of their choosing. Each one is specially designed from the Detour guide’s unique perspective as a musician, dancer, art teacher or designer. In this episode we talk about the innovative hiring process for their unique team, the qualities that they are looking for in a Detour guide & the unlearning that the department had to do in order to co-construct these new experiences. We explore how a Detour Experience works and the ways in which it differs from a traditional guided tour. We also chat about what benefits the guides and the audience get from these experiences and Hanna shares feedback on how they have been received. This one will open your eyes to new ways of looking at, thinking about and designing guided tours. Links Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook More info about Detours and Detour Guides at Het Nieuwe Instituut MuseumNext article about Detour guides https://www.museumnext.com/article/overcoming-museum-fatigue-with-detour-guides/ | |||||||
| 14 Apr 2022 | 'Bad' questions: 10 types of questions you should never ask | 00:23:08 | |||||
I’m back with a new episode today all about my favourite subject . I'm talking about 'bad' questions, and specifically, 10 types of questions you should never ask (or at least try to avoid!). Good questions can be many things: clear, simple and purposeful, but also relevant, concise and perhaps, even powerful. But is there such a thing as a 'bad' question? And if so, what types of questions are 'bad'? Why types of questions should we be avoiding on our museum tours and programmes? To find out the 10 types of questions I chose, listen in to today's show! Resources EPISODE WEB PAGE Join the SLOW LOOKING CLUB Community on Facebook Other Art Engager episodes about questioning: Episode 4 The 5 Golden Rules for Asking Brilliant Questions Episode 10 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking Questions Episode 15 How to Use Artworks to Improve your Questioning Skills Episode 36 Quick ways to improve your questioning technique Find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn Sign up for my weekly dose of carefully-curated inspiration The TM Weekly | |||||||
| 22 Jul 2021 | 5 Simple Slow Looking Activities for Summer | 00:22:49 | |||||
Today I’m sharing 5 simple slow looking ideas for the summer. In our fast-paced society, we scan, we skim and we scroll. We have forgotten what it’s like to really look at something. Slow looking is a wonderful alternative to life in the fast lane. The 5 activities I'll be sharing in this episode are simple, effective ways to slow down, improve your observational skills and focus and notice more details around you. You can use these slow looking activities throughout the summer - either on your own or with friends and family and children. All of the activities are designed to help you develop your ability to see - and in doing so, spark creativity, curiosity and improve focus. By the end of this episode you’ll have a range of great ideas to keep yourself and others engaged in slow looking in a range of different environments (outside and inside), some involve art and some do not. All are designed to help improve your observation skills and help you to slow down and relax. Which activity are you going to try? I’d love to hear how you get on with any of this activities, Please share your thoughts, photos, sketches and or notes via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter using the hashtag #summerslowlooking LINKS Support the show https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Thinking Museum website https://thinkingmuseum.com | |||||||
| 02 Mar 2023 | How to lead playful museum programmes | 00:27:48 | |||||
Today I’m exploring play in museum education practice. How can we create and lead playful museum programmes? How can we bring more opportunities for play into our guided tours and educational programmes? I was inspired for today's post by our new theme in the Slow Looking Club. Every two weeks we have a new theme and right now we’re exploring play as the focus for our slow looking. We’re looking for depictions of play and playful approaches in art, but also how we can adopt a playful attitude to slow looking when we’re out and about. This led me to thinking about how we can be more playful in our programmes when we are with visitors (of all ages, not just children) and incorporate more meaningful opportunities for play? Today I'm sharing 9 ways that you can incorporate play into your guided tours and programmes. Links Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly) Episode 56 Learning to Love ‘Boring’ Objects through slow looking Episode 45 - What we can learn from improv with Samantha Boffin Episode 59 - 9 Thinking Routines to Improve your Powers of Observation Episode 72 - Reacting to art with our bodies with Rachel Ropeik Episode 25 - 3 Thinking Routines for Slow Looking and Drawing Episode 61 - How mindfulness and drawing can help us to connect with art with Karly Allen Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 14 Jul 2022 | How mindfulness and drawing can help us to connect with art | 00:25:36 | |||||
Today I’m so happy to be talking to Karly Allen about her work. We’re talking about how mindfulness can help us to connect with and engage with art, how we can bring mindfulness practices to the experience of drawing. Karly Allen is a UK-based gallery educator, drawing tutor and mindfulness teacher. She has worked for the National Gallery, London, over the past 20 years and has taught widely for UK art collections including the National Portrait Gallery, Wallace Collection and Royal Collection. In 2018, Karly co-founded Limina Collective to bring mindfulness and reflection practices to museum and online spaces. We explore how mindfulness and meditation practices, observation of the artwork and drawing interrelate with each other. And how drawing with mindfulness creates connections, opens us up to creativity and helps us to overcome any resistance we might have to drawing or the fear of the blank page. We talk extensively about the benefits and how it help us to tune into a mode of being being open, letting go of preconceptions and habitual patterns of looking. Links Masterclass: Mona Lisa - Experiments in Drawing with Mindfulness Tuesday 19 July at 17.00 hrs CET This masterclass offers an experimental space to explore drawing and mindfulness, with Leonardo’s iconic painting as our focus. Sign up here: https://buy.stripe.com/aEU00A3Th8pP1Wg5ks Find out more about Limina Collective and contact Karly via their website https://www.liminacollective.com Join the Limina Collective monthly newsletter Connect on Instagram: @limina_collective @karlykallen Limina Collective's exhibition audios for Manchester Art Gallery, 'Room to Breathe': https://manchesterartgallery.org/exhibitions-and-events/exhibition/room-to-breathe/ Limina Collective's series of films for the Royal Academy, 'A Slow Look': https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/articles/tag/slow-look Limina Collective's film for The Wallace Collection, 'Taking Time to Look': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVp4h27aeos | |||||||
| 20 Apr 2023 | How silence is a superpower in museum and gallery programmes | 00:17:53 | |||||
You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘silence is golden’ before. This proverb suggests that staying quiet or not speaking can be beneficial in certain situations. How is silence a superpower that we can leverage to our advantage in the design and facilitation of our museum and gallery programmes? Today I’m talking about why silence matters and I'm going to share some insights into why we should be harnessing this superpower to enhance our programmes. But I’m also going to explore the flip-side - why some people feel uncomfortable around silence and how you can overcome this discomfort. Then I’m exploring 8 reasons why silence is beneficial for both you as a facilitator and for your participants. PS This is part 1 of a two-part series on silence. Next week I'll be exploring how you can add more silence into your programmes. Links Download my free Slow Art Guide Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the NEW resource - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Episode 93 Slow Art and the Power of Slowing Down with Carl Honoré Episode 94 Exploring Slow Art Day and Slow Looking with Phyl Terry Episode 29 How to Develop a Reflective Practice | |||||||
| 07 Oct 2021 | How to get over a 'tumbleweed moment' (and avoid one in the future) | 00:19:54 | |||||
Have you ever asked a question that was greeted with nothing but silence? You look around and all you can see are blank faces. The silence is scary because you don’t know what people are thinking. It could mean anything. You wait a little longer and still nothing happens. Just the sound of tumbleweed rustling by…. You've just experienced a 'tumbleweed moment' - a period of dead air or silence. And it’s awkward and uncomfortable - not just for you but also for your participants too. You don't know what people are thinking and your mind races to think of something to fill the silence. But what if you had some steps to work though to help you get over this moment? Well, help is at hand. Today I'm sharing some practical ways to get over a tumbleweed moment. And at the end I’ll be sharing some advice about avoiding these moments in the first place - so stick around and together we’ll make sure you never have to hear the terrifying sound of silence again! LINKS Support the show! https://buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Episode 10 - 10 common mistakes to avoid when asking questions - https://thinkingmuseum.com/2021/06/24/10-common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-asking-questions/ | |||||||
| 22 Sep 2022 | Mindset shift: how to embrace the power of information | 00:16:49 | |||||
Many of us are experts in our field - possibly art historians, historians or archaeologists - and want to share that incredible knowledge with the groups we lead in our programmes. But sometimes having that knowledge can be a burden. It can weigh heavy on us. Knowing what information to share, when to share it and how to share it is tricky. How much is too much? And how can you share it in way that engages the group, energises the discussion and inspires new thinking? In today’s episode I want to shift your mindset about information. I want you to encourage you to think carefully about how you view information and how and when you share it in your programmes. I'm exploring the 6 main problems with sharing contextual information in museum programmes and providing you with a series of coaching questions to help you work out how you really feel about sharing your knowledge. I'm introducing you to my What? How? When? framework which allows you focus on knowing what information to share, and how and when to share it. I'll end by sharing my thoughts about how I genuinely feel about information. Does it help to deepen and enrich experiences in the museum or does it hinder personal discoveries? Find out in today's episode. Links Join my mini-course on 4th and 11 October 2022 'How to Share Information to Engage and Delight your Audience' Episode 12 Best Practices for Sharing Information Support the Show Join our free community for the podcast The Slow Looking Club. | |||||||
| 03 Jun 2021 | How to Develop a Daily Slow Looking Practice | 00:18:10 | |||||
Slow looking is not only an important part of my work, it is also a personal practice - something that I’ve been doing regularly for the last few years. I’m really interested in developing my observational skills and I’m also fascinated by what happens when we spend a longer period of time looking at something. Our general approach to looking is, however, flawed and we try to look at things as briskly and efficiently as possible. We need to slow our looking down and give our brain the time and space to focus on what is in front of us. Developing a daily slow looking practice will enable you to improve your observational skills and start noticing more details. And if we are better at this ourselves, as educators, then we are in a far better position to guide others through the process of slow looking too. So, here are 6 ways you can start to develop your own daily slow looking practice - I’ve included a number of ideas, some outside, some inside, some to do with art, some not. The idea is that you pick one of these activities and you do it every day for a few days and see what happens. After a few days you should start to notice a difference! Links The Intelligent Eye, David Perkins How to Use your Eyes, James Elkins On Looking: 11 Walks with Expert Eyes, Alexander Horowitz | |||||||
| 08 Jun 2023 | Claire's Favourites: 4 Powerful Questions to Supercharge your Museum Programmes | 00:22:59 | |||||
For the next few weeks I’m choosing my favourite episodes from the back catalogue of the podcast. With over 100 episodes to now choose from, I’m taking this opportunity to revisit some of the episodes I’ve most enjoyed putting together. This week I’m sharing one of my absolute favourite episodes. I’m sharing 4 game changing questions that will really transform your museum and gallery programmes. I’ve chosen questions that work for me time after time with all sorts of different groups, different artworks or objects, different types of museums and environments. These are all worth remembering (and carrying around in your educator 'back pocket'). Links The 5 Golden Rules for Asking Brilliant Questions (Episode 4) 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking Questions (Episode 10) How to use artworks to improve your questioning skills (Episode 15) Quick ways to improve your questioning technique (Episode 36) 3 Key Ways to Foster Curiosity in your Programme (Episode 38) How to Stay Curious in your Practice (Episode 39) ‘Bad’ questions - questions to avoid in your art experiences (Episode 48) Autumn Effect at Argenteuil (1873), Claude Monet, Courtauld Gallery, London, UK, Public Domain https://courtauld.ac.uk/highlights/autumn-effect-at-argenteuil/ Reyhan Hassanzadeh (2004) from the series: Terrorist, Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, NL https://khosrow-hassanzadeh.com/project/terrorist-paintings-03/ | |||||||
| 30 Apr 2021 | What is Slow Looking and How Can I get Started? | 00:20:29 | |||||
I believe engagement starts with slow looking.I’ve been practising the art of slow looking for the last 10 years as a personal practice and with groups of all ages with a variety of objects, artworks, situations and places. Slow looking has played a pivotal role in the most engaging discussions I've led over the last 10 years.Slow looking has played a pivotal role in the most engaging discussions I've led over the last 10 years.Recently, slow looking has become more popular with Tate ‘recommending’ slow looking for their Bonnard exhibition and the National Gallery offering slow looking art sessions for lockdown.In this podcast I’m going to take you right back to the basics and walk you through an introduction to slow looking - what it is, why it matters and how you can get started - and I'll be sharing lots of practical tips and suggestions too!Links Jennifer Roberts The Power of Patience https://harvardmagazine.com/2013/11/the-power-of-patience Peter Clothier - One hour One painting video https://peterclothier.com/one-hour-one-painting/video-demonstration/ James Elkins ‘How to Use your Eyes’ Alexandra Horowitz ‘On Looking: Eleven Walks with Expert Eyes’ Shari Tishman ‘Slow Looking: The Art and Practice of Learning Through Observation’ | |||||||
| 06 Jul 2023 | What can museum educators learn from immersive art experiences? | 00:18:35 | |||||
Immersive art experiences have become quite the sensation in recent years. You've probably heard of them or even had the chance to attend one yourself. Immersive art experiences are driven by technology, engage multiple senses and transport you into a living artwork or a different world. Imagine stepping into a space surrounded by larger-than-life visuals, captivating sounds, and interactive elements. From sophisticated new-media installations to animated retrospectives of renowned painters, the range of immersive art projects is vast. There are countless unique immersive art experiences worldwide that offer innovative and engaging ways to interact with art. But they are not without criticism. Love them or hate them, these experiences provide valuable lessons that we, as museum educators, can learn from and apply in our own environments. Listen in to find out more! Links Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown New Yorker article https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-silicon-valley/the-rise-and-rise-of-immersive-art | |||||||
| 02 Dec 2021 | How to Teach with Objects with Jo-Anne Sunderland Bowe | 00:28:33 | |||||
This week on the podcast: I’m delighted to be talking to Jo-Anne Sunderland Bowe and we're talking about how to teach with objects. Jo-Anne is director of Heritec Limited, a UK-based heritage education consultancy which works on European collaborative projects. Jo-Anne has a keen interest in object-based learning and creative and critical thinking. in today’s chat we talk about the values that drive her work and her passion for object-based learning and teaching. We talk about what object-based learning means and dive into the processes around it - collective thinking, collaborative action, inquiry dialogue and the acts of wondering. Jo-Anne discusses the many benefits of working with objects and shares her tips for how you can better engage your audience with objects. I hope our chat inspires you to think about how you might use objects of any kind to engage your audiences. LINKS Masterclass - How to use slow listening to engage the senses and make connections with objects Flinders University Objects in Teaching and Learning wheel | |||||||
| 11 May 2023 | Radio Bart: Exploring Art with Blind Mediators | 00:21:32 | |||||
Welcome to a new episode of The Art Engager podcast, hosted by Claire Bown. In this week's edition, we dive into the extraordinary world of Radio Bart, a unique audience engagement programme at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Joining me are two guests from the museum's Audience Engagement team: An van Hertum and Bart van Peer. What is Radio Bart? Radio Bart is a groundbreaking programme where visitors engage in conversations about art with blind mediators. A mobile studio moves through the museum, inviting anyone to join the hosts for a chat in front of selected paintings. Through these dialogues, participants observe, describe, and reflect on the artwork, uncovering deeper meaning and fostering a unique experience. An and Bart share how Radio Bart started, how it works, and the profound effects it has on participants. They also discuss the training and skills provided to the mediators, ensuring meaningful interactions. Don't miss this episode as we delve into the transformative power of Radio Bart. Tune in and discover a whole new way to experience and connect with art. Enjoy! Links Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown VTMO Course - VTMO Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Courses start in September, October and November 2023 respectively. Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp (KMSKA) https://kmska.be/en Radio Bart https://kmska.be/en/event/radio-bart Radio Bart email radiobart@kmska.be | |||||||
| 14 Dec 2023 | How to engage participants in historic spaces through inquiry and facilitation | 00:40:29 | |||||
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. Links Museum Educators Facebook group Instagram @stephi_smith_inquirer | |||||||
| 12 Aug 2021 | How to Use Artworks to Improve your Questioning Skills | 00:20:16 | |||||
How can you improve your questioning skills without resorting to reading long lists of tips and techniques and do's and don'ts? What can you use to help you create, sort and evaluate better questions? The simple answer is: ART. I’ve been using artworks for years to help me to brainstorm, sort, re-word and improve my questions. Artworks (and objects) provide an engaging and focused way to work on your questioning skills. I’m not an ‘expert questioner’ by any means and have found that this is a skill that I have had to consistently work at to improve. But by using artworks, I really enjoy the process too. In today’s episode I’m going to share with you some practical ways you can use art as a tool to become a better questioner! NOTES Support the Show: https://buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Wikiart.org - https://www.wikiart.org/ How to Ask Brilliant Questions Masterclass https://thinkingmuseum.com/product/how-to-ask-brilliant-questions-that-get-results/ | |||||||
| 13 Jul 2023 | Heart for Art: Engaging minds, transforming lives with Gundy van Dijk | 00:24:18 | |||||
Today I'm exploring Heart for Art with Gundy van Dijk, Head of Education and Interpretation at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Discover how this impactful outreach programme use Vincent van Gogh's life and art to engage children, foster their personal development, and ignite their passion for art. With over 20 years of experience in museum, art, and cultural education, Gundy is well-known for her expertise in connecting people and organisations. Gundy is dedicated to inspiring individuals, bridging the gap between audiences and stories, and promoting interaction and participation in the field of art education. Heart for Art, a programme developed by the Van Gogh Museum and DHL, aims to inspire thousands of children, with limited access to art education. Using Vincent van Gogh's work and life story, the program stimulates creative development and encourages discussions on important themes. Participating schools receive tailor-made teaching materials and a Van Gogh Museum Edition: a high-quality 3D reproduction of one of Van Gogh's artworks. I first met Gundy back in 2011 at the Tropenmuseum and we’ve been great friends and collaborators ever since. We had a great chat and I hope you enjoy it too! Links Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Episode Links Van Gogh Museum https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en Etel Adnan http://www.eteladnan.com/ Heart for Art video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzFoSNChEWE Van Gogh at School https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/visit/school-groups/van-gogh-at-school The Harvest Meditation: https://www.lessonup.com/app/search/teach/2Krq7YeurGxwev4fs/mjya2ioLJBjRKqzhR/#mjya2ioLJBjRKqzhR-index=0 Gundy van Dijk on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gundyvandijk/ | |||||||
| 16 May 2024 | Slow listening and philosophical questioning in the museum | 00:39:51 | |||||
How can we engage children with classical music in the museum environment? Today, I'm talking to Cecilie Skøtt about how to engage students with the music of Carl Nielsen through a blend of philosophical questioning and the art of slow listening. Cecilie Skøtt is a mediation designer at Hans Christian Andersen’s House and the Carl Nielsen Museum in Denmark. Cecilie plays a key role in crafting and delivering school programmes for both museums, as well as interacting with visitors of all ages on weekends and holidays. With a passion for literature and dialogical teaching in the arts, Cecilie focuses on easing classroom-related anxiety and uses her expertise to create memorable museum experiences for children and families Today we’re chatting about how the Carl Nielsen museum engages students in classical music. At the museum, they’ve been teaching from an Open Questioning Mindset (OQM) and using Philosophical Dialogue for a few years now. OQM is both a teaching method and a mindset developed by Peter Worley to engage students in different topics, concepts, and stories. The method offers different tools and techniques for asking open and engaging questions, and to quickly create an environment where children feel safe and comfortable speaking their minds. Slow listening is a natural extension to the philosophical questioning environment and allows children to deeply connect with Nielsen's music . In two new programmes developed for schools the Carl Nielsen Museum combines all three to engage students with classical music. Listen to discover more about the Carl Nielsen Museum, philosophical questioning techniques and slow listening. Episode Links:Episode web page + transcript: Cecilie Horup Skøtt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilie-horup-sk%C3%B8tt-b60a93ab/ Carl Nielsen Museum website: https://museumodense.dk/carl-nielsen-museet/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlNielsenMuseet Open Questioning Mindset and philosophy with children: https://www.philosophy-foundation.org/ YouTube links for the music: Symphony no. 5 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agPrhTFqD0o Nielsen’s paraphrase on Nearer, My God, to Thee https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5FUNK2wZms Tågen Letter, played during Music Dynamite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_-wkidKX54 Maskerade, Keraus, played during Music Dynamite https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TFfRwq-lrM The Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspiration Join the Slow Looking Club Community Support the show here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Download my free resources: 20 Jul 2023 | How to prepare for the unexpected | 00:25:54 | | ||||
In today's episode I'll be exploring a topic that every museum educator can relate to: being prepared for the unexpected. When was the last time you were facilitating a programme and something unexpected came up? Maybe it was a spontaneous discussion sparked by an unexpected object or a group with unique accessibility needs. These moments remind us of the value of being ready for anything. As museum educators, we operate in a dynamic and ever-changing environment, interacting with diverse audiences and different groups, each with their own perspectives and interests. Unexpected situations can arise at any moment, making our roles both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, I'll take you through a variety of strategies that will help you equip yourself with the right tools and mindset to handle unforeseen situations effectively. We'll delve into everything from making quick adjustments to adopting a proactive approach. Tune in to discover practical ways to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Let's embrace the unexpected together! Links Episode 44 - The 4 Elements of a Great Introduction Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 15 Jul 2021 | How to Use the Unveiling Stories Thinking Routine to Investigate Multiple Layers of Meaning in a Photograph | 00:20:42 | |||||
Today I’m talking all about how to use the ‘Unveiling Stories’ thinking routine to investigate multiple layers of meaning with a photograph. This is part of a new series of episodes on the podcast where I share a thinking routine with you and all the insights for how you might be able to use it with an artwork or object with groups - either in-person or online. Unveiling Stories was our ‘thinking routine of the month’ for June in my Membership Programme. Every month we have a specialist thinking routine online class that gives us the opportunity to discover a new thinking routine or to dig a bit deeper into one we already know. Discover in this episode:
LINKS Roland Schmid, ‘Cross-Border Love’ (25 April, 2020 )Courtesy of World Press Photo https://www.worldpressphoto.org/collection/photo/2021/41420/1/Roland-Schmid The Thinking Museum Membership | |||||||
| 14 Oct 2021 | Using art and objects to learn wellbeing skills and improve mental health with Louise Thompson | 00:35:03 | |||||
Today I’m really excited to be chatting to Louise Thompson - a museums and wellbeing consultant as well as the health and wellbeing manager at Manchester Art Gallery for the past 9 years. We’re talking how about art and objects can be used to learn wellbeing skills and improve mental health. Louise has over 12 years experience of arts and health practice and is hugely passionate about using culture and creativity to improve people’s wellbeing. We discuss:
Louise shares so much value in our chat - make sure you listen to the whole episode to catch it all! LinksSupport the Show - https://buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Masterclass -The Mindful Museum: Using Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness to Engage with Cultural Collections https://thinkingmuseum.com/product/the-mindful-museum/ Well Mindful website https://well-mindful.com/ Louise Thompson on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/well_mindful_/ Louise Thompson on Twitter https://twitter.com/Louise_Tea_ Becoming a Mum https://manchesterartgallery.org/learn/becoming-a-mum/ Lead art psychotherapist for Becoming a Mum - Sarah Greaves Sarah Greaves Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahgreavesart/ The Mindful Museum https://manchesterartgallery.org/learn/mindful-museum/ | |||||||
| 12 Oct 2023 | Help! My group doesn't want to participate... | 00:21:53 | |||||
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! Links Episode 44 The 4 Elements of a Great Introduction Episode 42 How to Read a Group Episode 69 How to Use Body Language to Create Engagement Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 18 Apr 2024 | Creating informal engagement with museum visitor teams | 00:31:28 | |||||
In this episode, we take a closer look at museum visitor teams with Dickon Moore, Visitor Experience Manager at Wellcome Collection in London. Discover how these teams master the art of informal engagement, creating meaningful interactions that enhance visitors' museum experiences. Key Points:
Episode 127 LinksWellcome Collection https://wellcomecollection.org/ Dickon Moore on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/dickonmoore Transcript available here: The Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspiration Join the Slow Looking Club Community Support the show here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Download my free resources: How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museum Slow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow looking Ultimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one place If you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show! | |||||||
| 20 Oct 2022 | The Power of VTM: why I created a new approach to engaging with art, objects and audiences in the museum | 00:18:19 | |||||
Today I’m talking about why I created my method Visible Thinking in the Museum (or VTM for short) and who I created it for. Why did I go and develop a new teaching method when there were plenty of methods already out there? So, today I’m sharing exactly what prompted this 11 year mission into creating a method for engaging discussions in museums around art and objects. Over the years, I have done a lot of research into other methods or strategies for discussing art and objects. So I know a lot about what other methods are out there for educators to use. From my research and experience, I've drawn key conclusions about what works well and what was lacking in existing approaches such as Visual Thinking Strategies and more. And these conclusions led me to designing my own method that contained all the elements I wanted in a teaching method I'm sharing the two basic needs that the new method arose out of, followed by 10 reasons why I created a new approach. And some of the reasons may surprise you! Links VTMO Beginners Course -starts 1 November Episode 62 - 7 ways to be creative with thinking routines Episode 1 - The moment when I first heard the words Visible Thinking... Episode 51 - What is Visible Thinking in the Museum? My Friday newsletter The ™ Weekly | |||||||
| 02 Jun 2022 | Cultivating the Conditions for Inquiry with Jess Vance | 00:29:14 | |||||
Today I’m delighted to be talking to educator, facilitator and newly published author Jess Vance about her work. We’re talking about how questions are her superpower and how we can cultivate the conditions for inquiry to thrive. Jess and I met on Instagram a while back when we were discussing the importance of the question ‘what makes you say that’. Since then we’ve chatted regularly and I’ve watched her journey to becoming a published author with interest. I was honoured to be involved with reading some of the early chapters and thrilled to be asked to write a recommendation for the book too. I couldn’t wait to invite Jess to be on the podcast as I think we can all learn so much from her practice. It just so happens to coincide with the publication of her book too. Jess Vance is an enrichment and environment coordinator with a thorough teaching and leadership background - she’s a former IB PYP Educator & PYP Coordinator. After about a decade in the classroom, Jess moved into leadership roles. And she’s taken the things she learned inside of the classroom - such as her approach to questioning and listening as an inquiry educator into her role as a leader. In her newly released book, 'Leading with a Lens of Inquiry', she outlines the ways in which we need to support and facilitate teachers in the same ways in which we want them to engage with their students. Her book is for teachers, leaders, coaches, coordinators, and anyone basically who is invested in cultivating the conditions for authentic and meaningful inquiry to thrive. In today’s chat we talk about the values that drive Jess’s work and the connections we can find between her work and ours. What can we learn from her practice? We discussed how questions are her superpower, the role curiosity, listening and reflection play in her work and how mindfulness is the thread brings everything together. We had so much to talk about. So, here it is - enjoy! LINKS Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Jess Vance's website-- downloadable resources, coaching and other professional learning offerings Leading with a Lens of Inquiry on Amazon Jess' Instagram-- giving you an insight into her professional practice and offering tangible ways to infuse curiosity and an inquiry mindset each and every day Michael Stone - Awake in the World Warren Berger - A More Beautiful Question & The Book of Beautiful Questions | |||||||
| 17 Nov 2022 | How to Look at Art (Slowly) | 00:11:26 | |||||
We’ve reached another milestone and in honour of 75 episodes, I’m releasing a new FREE resource today. How to Look at Art (Slowly) shares 30+ different ways that you can look at art or objects in museums. In today’s special episode I’m talking you through some of these different ways of looking slowly. I'll share why it's important to slow down and look carefully, before explaining the 4 sections of the guide: Static Looking, Movement, Observation by Drawing, Observation by Writing and Viewfinders. How to Look at Art (Slowly) is a resource that can be used by anyone. Whether you’re going to a museum alone and would like some strategies for looking, or if you’re visiting with a friend and are on the lookout for some new ways to engage with what you’re seeing. Likewise, if you’re an educator or guide, you can use these activities with your groups. All of the activities are coded as either solo or group activities. These simple activities offer a framework and tools for looking at art and objects for longer. Choose a variety of different ways to look as you move around the museum. You may want to choose activities that appeal to you or you might want to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. All of the activities will help you to see more. Download this free guide via the link below and then listen to the episode! LINKS HOW TO LOOK AT ART (SLOWLY) - a free guide for looking with 30+ activities! Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook | |||||||
| 08 Feb 2024 | See Listen Talk: Slow Looking Approaches for Vulnerable Audiences | 00:27:46 | |||||
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:
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 Thinking Episode 24 Using art and objects to learn wellbeing skills and improve mental health with Louise Thompson Suggest a guest or ask a question for the show - get in touch here Download my free Slow Art Guide Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown | |||||||
| 28 Sep 2023 | Activating the Art Museum for Healthcare Professionals: | 00:49:50 | |||||
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. Links Short description of book Activating 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 website Activating the Art Museum: Designing Experiences for the Health Professions Discount flyer link for those interested in purchasing Additional links for learning opportunities
Bios Ruth Slavin has thirty years of leadership experience in art museums, most recently as deputy... | |||||||
| 31 Mar 2022 | What is Slow Art Day? | 00:18:49 | |||||
Slow Art Day is an international event celebrating looking at art in a different way. This year Slow Art Day is taking place on Saturday 2 April 2022 in over 160 venues around the world (and counting…). So, what is Slow Art Day all about? Here’s what you need to know. LINKS | |||||||
| 27 May 2021 | 6 Essential Thinking Routines You Need in your Repertoire | 00:23:01 | |||||
In this episode, I’m discussing 6 essential thinking routines you should have in your educator repertoire. These are thinking routines that you can use to create engaging discussions with art or artefacts or routines that will help you develop and grow in your work as an educator. I’ve found it really hard to select just 6 thinking routine out of the 100+ routines out there, but I’ve come up with a list that every educator should have in their repertoire to draw upon in different situations or for different purposes. I’ve chosen :
To find out which 6 thinking routines I chose, listen to this week’s episode! Plus, if you’d like a copy of my newly updated Ultimate Thinking Routines list, I've put a link below in the show notes so you can sign up for your own copy of this resource with 100+ thinking routines in one place. It’s a really useful reference document for any educator interested in creating engaging discussions with art, objects and ideas. Links The Ultimate Thinking Routine List - https://mailchi.mp/21a87a092bdd/thinking-routine-list See Think Wonder https://thinkingmuseum.com/2020/01/01/see-think-wonder-visible-thinking/ Looking Ten Times Two https://thinkingmuseum.com/2020/01/05/visible-thinking-routine-of-the-week-looking-ten-times-two/ Step Inside https://thinkingmuseum.com/2020/01/11/visible-thinking-routine-of-the-week-step-inside/ Creative Questions https://thinkingmuseum.com/2020/05/27/using-thinking-routines-to-formulate-better-questions/ ESP+I https://thinkingmuseum.com/2020/07/03/the-power-of-reflection-in-online-learning/ | |||||||
| 26 May 2022 | Pictures of Practice with Elisa Mosele | 00:32:14 | |||||
Today I’m sharing a 'picture of practice' from art facilitator and English teacher Elisa Mosele. We’re talking all how she uses thinking routines to overcome the fear of speaking a language and encourage all her students to participate. We also explore how she combines slow looking, church art and spirituality in her work as an art facilitator. Elisa Mosele is a English language teacher and an art facilitator. She currently collaborates with the Verona Minor Hierusalem Foundation. She introduced the concepts of VTM and thinking routines to the foundation and in 2020 initiated their first virtual sessions looking slowly and carefully at artworks from local churches. Elisa wrote a blog for me in 2020 about her very first experience facilitating with thinking routines virtually and it was great to hear in our chat about how she is now facilitating sessions in person too. In today’s chat we talk about how Elisa uses thinking routines to develop vocabulary and how she combines Visible Thinking with spirituality in her work at the foundation. Links Episode Web Page What I learned from my first virtual facilitation session with art https://thinkingmuseum.com/2020/12/10/first-virtual-art-facilitation/ Elisa Mosele on LinkedIn | |||||||
| 13 Jun 2024 | Stimulating the senses: using smell to engage visitors | 00:43:01 | |||||
How can we use our sense of smell to engage visitors? My guest today, Sofia Collette Ehrich is an art historian and curator of multisensory experiences. She was a key researcher on Odeuropa - a European funded Horizon 2020 project that advocated for smell as an important part of Europe’s cultural heritage. We discuss when she first realised her passion for working with scents and how smell can make museum experiences more engaging. We cover her creation of a scent-based tour for Museum Ulm in Germany and a 'Scratch and Sniff' self-guided tour for the Amsterdam Museum. We also look at the Olfactory Storytelling Toolkit, 'smell walks,' and the idea of a 'sniffer in residence.' Sofia shares lots of practical tips for adding olfactory elements to your programmes. If you want to infuse the sense of smell into your practice or incorporate more multisensory approaches into your programmes, you'll learn a lot from this episode. Episode Links:Sofia Collette Ehrich https://sofiaehrich.wordpress.com/ https://thesensesationalexplorer.substack.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-collette-ehrich/ https://www.instagram.com/thesensesationalexplorer/ Museum Ulm Links: https://odeuropa.eu/2022/04/now-open-follow-your-nose-at-museum-ulm/ https://odeuropa.eu/2023/01/update-follow-your-nose/ City Sniffers Links: https://odeuropa.eu/2022/08/launch-of-city-sniffers-a-smell-tour-of-amsterdams-ecohistory/ Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7utP_pAx_E Odeuropa Impact: This is an interesting report about the interviews Cecilia Bembibre conducted with museum professionals who have used smells in GLAMs: https://odeuropa.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/D6_1_Guidelines_on_the_Use_of_Smells_in_GLAMs.pdf Olfactory Storytelling Toolkit: Download it here: https://zenodo.org/records/10254737 Guidelines for conducting an olfactory guided tour here: https://zenodo.org/records/10102080 Guidelines for conducting a smell walk here: https://zenodo.org/records/10101016 A talk Sofia gave for the Swedish Heritage Commission which included many practical examples: | |||||||
| 10 Nov 2022 | How to enjoy art (without knowing anything about it) with Ben Street | 00:44:15 | |||||
Today I’m chatting to Ben Street about his new book 'How to Enjoy Art: A Guide for Everyone'. We’re talking about how we can enjoy art without needing to know anything about it. Ben Street is an author, educator and art historian. He’s also been a school teacher and museum educator. He’s a writer of interpretation for museums and exhibitions and a writer of art criticism. He’s an academic and he writes books - “How to Enjoy Art: A Guide for Everyone” (Yale) and “How to be an Art Rebel” (Thames and Hudson) are out now. In our chat today, we talk about the values that guide Ben’s work and how he’s passionate about us all being able to enjoy art without needing any specialist knowledge. We talk about slow looking and open questioning and how we can approach art with the tools we already have within us. We focus on why looking is so important to the art experience, we explore ways in which we can look for longer and we talk about how scale and space affects how we relate to art. We discuss why we rarely feel we need to read about a piece of music before we listen to it, but with art, we feel we need to know something about it to look at it. And that artworks come ‘wrapped in text’ before we can even get to them. Why is this? How has this come about? This chat is jam-packed with ideas and inspiration for you. Here’s my chat with Ben. Enjoy! LINKS Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Ben Street - Books - How to Enjoy Art; How to be an Art Rebel | |||||||
| 09 Sep 2021 | Success Factors for Leading Discussion-Based Programmes Around Art | 00:25:37 | |||||
Today I’m sharing some thoughts about how you can successfully design and lead engaging discussion-based programmes around art and objects. I’ll be talking briefly about the difference between different types of 'talking' in museum education - conversations, discussions and dialogue - before moving into 11 tips for success in creating conversations around art and objects. Links Support the Show - https://buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Sign up for The Art of Engagement Challenge - https://mailchi.mp/4fc80dab0b8a/artofengagement Episode 18 Common Fears Around Leading Discussion-Based Programmes ( and How to Deal with Them) Episode 9 - Creating a Great Group Dynamic in the 'New Now' https://thinkingmuseum.com/2021/06/16/creating-a-great-group-dynamic-in-the-new-now/ 'Teaching in the Art Museum: Interpretation as Experience' - Rika Burnham and Elliot Kai-Kee | |||||||
| 15 Sep 2022 | 7 Ways to Improve your Active Listening Skills | 00:12:51 | |||||
Most of us think we’re good listeners. But are we really? What does it mean to be an active listener in an art discussion, guided tour or educational programme in the museum? Listening is one of the most important skills in our toolbox. But few of us know how to really listen. It's just not something we're taught. It requires both time and practise to develop effective listening skills. And it’s a challenge - when we’re listening our minds naturally tend to wander and our concentration can come and go.. Listening is an essential skill for us - without active listening, discussions remain on the surface level without truly engaging all the participants. Today's episode will help you to work on your listening skills. First I'm exploring the 4 different levels of listening. Then I'm sharing 7 tips with you to improve your active listening skills and help you to choose the right level of listening for when you’re communicating with others. Share this one widely - listening is one of the keys to a better society! Links Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook | |||||||
| 21 Mar 2024 | Get the Picture: How to engage with art with Bianca Bosker | 00:45:11 | |||||
Today, Bianca Boska, an award-winning journalist and author of 'Get The Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See' discusses her new book and her journey into the art world with Claire Bown, host of The Art Engager podcast. Bianca immersed herself for 5 years into the New York art scene as a gallery assistant, artist assistant, curator, museum security guard and more as part of a journey to understand why art matters and how we can engage with it more deeply. In this chat, Bianca shares what she discovered about the art world, how her relationship with art has evolved, and how her experiences with various artworks have changed the way she sees the world. Links for Bianca Bosker and Get the Picture: Bianca Bosker Instagram, Twitter, Facebook Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Get-Picture-Mind-Bending-Inspired-Obsessive/dp/1911630466 Bookshop: https://www.waterstones.com/book/get-the-picture/bianca-bosker/9781911630463
The Art Engager Links:
If you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show! | |||||||
| 27 Jan 2022 | How looking at art can improve your mental health with Yaël van Loosbroek - Speck | 00:33:24 | |||||
This week on the podcast: I’m delighted to be talking to Yaël van Loosbroek - Speck about art and mental health Yaël believes, like me, that everyone can engage with art, and that it all starts with looking - hence the name of her company, ArtSee. About ten years ago Yaël herself suffered from depression and severe anxiety disorder. The only place she could find peace of mind was in front of an artwork. This experience motivated her to create Art as Perspective for people going through the same mental issues as she did. In today’s chat we discuss what Art as Perspective is and how it works. We talk about how to design art programmes for people living with depression & anxiety, the frameworks she uses and the questions she asks. We also talk about how art discussions help people living with depression, anxiety and negative thoughts and the mental health benefits of looking at and discussing art. Yaël also shares some really helpful tips for creating art programmes that have a positive impact on mental health. We had a really lovely chat and I hope you enjoy it. Here it is! LINKS Masterclass Art as Perspective 08 February The Thinking Museum Membership Programme The Merry Family by Jan Steen | |||||||
| 04 May 2023 | Collect Connect Create with Denise Greany and Sarah Clarke | 00:34:26 | |||||
In this week's episode we're exploring an innovative project at the National Civil War Centre in Newark developing creative writing skills through art and using thinking routines in really innovative ways. The visual literacy Collect Connect Create project was developed to raise self-esteem, self-efficacy and motivation for year 10 pupils (14-15 year olds) who had struggled with disrupted learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. The longer-term aim was that young people would develop the skills, knowledge and experience to raise their attainment in their English exams, having the confidence to write a “convincing and compelling” piece of fiction, using extensive and ambitious vocabulary and demonstrating the use of different language techniques. Denise explores the key features of the programme, how it worked for students and the collaboration they had with writer-in-residence, Ioney Smallhorne.. Then we focus on the thinking routines that they used in the programme and specifically the thinking routines that they created for it, such as Look List Lose and Shapescape. They also creatively adapted thinking routines that they had learned with me on my VTMO course. We talk about how the thinking routines offered tools to the students to assist them with their writing, how they helped them learn how to look as well as write, how they gave them a framework for organising their thinking and were a launchpad to writing. If you’re interested or curious about incorporating thinking routines into an educational programme at your museum or using art as a prompt for creative writing, then this episode is for you. If you’re interested in creating your own thinking routines, listen in too! Links Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Collect Connect Create Project Resources https://www.maxliteracy.org/case-studies/newark-museum/ Pocket Prompts PDF can be found in the Lesson 1 folder. Denise Greany on LinkedIn Sarah Clarke on LinkedIn Ioney Smallhorne website | |||||||
| 26 Aug 2021 | 13 Ways to Make your Online Experiences More Engaging and Interactive | 00:24:49 | |||||
Over the past year, I’ve attended some fantastic interactive online sessions and I’ve led hundreds of my own. I’ve also attended some pretty dull one-way presentations and long lectures. No matter what type of session you are leading - be it a virtual tour, an online art discussion, an online class or course - you need to keep your session interactive to stop participants from tuning out. You need to find a variety of ways to engage people throughout the session. Online experiences that emphasise personalisation, active learning, interaction and engagement will be here to stay. If you haven't levelled up your skills yet, it's time you took some action When it’s done right, online sessions are JUST as (and in some cases MORE) rewarding and engaging online. But how do you make it interactive and keep everyone fully engaged? Here are my 13 ways to get you started... LINKS Support the Show! https://buymeacoffee.com/clairebown Recorded Masterclass: Zoom Confidence for Educators - https://thinkingmuseum.com/product/zoom-confidence-for-educators/ Episodes 4 - The 5 Golden Rules for Asking Brilliant Questions - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8de302e0-94ce-4c79-8486-b0b92f83210d Episode 10 - 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking Questions https://player.captivate.fm/episode/be7953c3-9b54-4de4-9ed2-e793caef6851 Episode 15 How to Use Artworks to Improve your Questioning Skills - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8868cace-a070-4eef-806b-c12324b15246 | |||||||
| 17 Feb 2022 | 5 New Thinking Routines to Try in 2022 | 00:19:51 | |||||
Have you been using the same thinking routines for a while now? Maybe you’ve got a few core routines that you’re comfortable with and now you’re looking for some new routines to add to your repertoire? I’m always looking for new ways to engage with our audiences and love trying out new routines in my membership monthly thinking routine classes. I really enjoy seeing all the possibilities of how this thinking routine might pair with different artworks, themes and situations. I’ve tried and tested these 5 routines extensively and they all work both online and offline with a variety of materials – artworks and museum objects, written texts, quotes and videos. Which 5 thinking routines did I choose? Listen in to find out! You can find in-depth classes about each of these thinking routines in the library of my membership programme. Links The Thinking Museum Membership Programme Subscribe to my Friday newsletter - The TM Weekly | |||||||
| 20 May 2021 | The Art of Facilitation | 00:14:33 | |||||
Facilitation is a key part of creating engaging and interactive discussions around art and museum objects. But developing the skills of a good facilitator is an art form in itself – it requires practice, patience and the best facilitators MAKE IT LOOK SO EASY. Sometimes people wonder why I chose the word 'facilitator' - rather than guide, educator, teacher, docent, or interpreter - to describe people who lead participative, discussion-based experiences around art and objects. It’s certainly not the easiest word to say, but it does sum up what we do. As a facilitator, you are guiding the process, creating participation and activating the learning and engagement. In this week's episode, I’m talking about facilitation - how can you develop the skills of a good facilitator (and make it look like you were born to do it), and what are the different roles you will be expected to play? | |||||||
| 26 Oct 2023 | Exploring The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker | 00:37:48 | |||||
Today I’m talking to Rob Walker, author of The Art of Noticing and its spinoff newsletter. He’s a columnist for Fast Company, a longtime contributor to The New York Times and many other publications. His latest book, co-edited with Joshua Glenn, is “Lost Objects: 50 Stories About The Things We Miss and Why They Matter.” In today’s conversation Rob shares how he got into this work around noticing and paying attention to things. We discuss what’s wrong with our attention these days and debate whether noticing is a habit, a mindset or a skill. We talk about some of the 131 different ideas for noticing in The Art of Noticing and discuss specific contexts where noticing can be particularly rewarding We also talk about museums, about how we can get more out of museum visits by noticing the ‘wrong’ things, following our curiosity, and spending more time with less objects. We wind up talking about his most recent project and book “Lost Objects’ which explores the personal significance of objects, especially those that are lost, stolen, or discarded. We talk about the value of noticing and appreciating objects that often go unnoticed, highlighting how these objects serve as tools for connecting with people and the world around us. I really enjoyed talking to Rob - hope you enjoy it too! Links Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook Download the free guide - how to look at art (slowly) Curated newsletter by Claire Bown Rob's newsletter is at robwalker.substack.com. Rob's books: The Art of Noticing and his latest book, co-edited with Joshua Glenn, Lost Objects: 50 Stories About The Things We Miss and Why They Matter | |||||||
| 30 May 2024 | The power of inquiry, curiosity and questioning with Trevor MacKenzie | 00:36:37 | |||||
My guest today, Trevor MacKenzie is an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker and inquiry consultant who has worked in schools throughout North America, Asia, Australia, South Africa and Europe. Trevor’s day job is as a high school English teacher in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, He teaches from an inquiry stance, guided by specific values and beliefs. In addition, Trevor is also an author, speaker and consultant, travelling worldwide to help schools implement inquiry-based teaching structures and frameworks. Trevor’s new book Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition is out imminently and because questions are a favourite subject of mine, I had to invite him onto the podcast to talk about it. I’ve known Trevor for a few years now since we connected on social media through shared interests and enthusiasms. Trevor is an advocate and champion for inquiry-based learning, generously supporting the work of many educators in the field, including me, and he is well known for his kindness, alongside his expertise. Listen to find out more about:
There’s so much in our conversation from fostering curiosity, agency, active listening and the connections between Trevor’s work and our work in museums. What can we learn from each other? Where are the crossovers? Listen to our conversation to discover more about the power of inquiry, curiosity and so much more. Episode Links:Episode webpage Trevor MacKenzie's website: https://www.trevormackenzie.com Inquiry Mindset Questions Edition: https://www.trevormackenzie.com/inquiry-mindset-questions-edition https://www.trevormackenzie.com/posts/2024/4/14/announcing-inquiry-mindset-questions-edition Trevor MacKenzie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trev_mackenzie/ Trevor MacKenzie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-mackenzie-37103b261/ The Art Engager Links:Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspiration Join the | |||||||