Shifting Perceptions: A self-indulgent post on Disability & the Heritage Sector

When I was younger I used to shrug off the thought that the world just wasn’t made for someone like me. But in the last few weeks this thought has been at the forefront of my mind. Not in a wholly negative sense either, more that I’ve given the idea space and credence. I have been swept up by the Social Model of Disability. The idea that a person is only as disabled as society makes them, that physical barriers combined with discriminatory attitudes result in unnecessary isolation and exclusion from full participation in society.*

Following a steady breadcrumb trail of likes and retweets I discovered this ideology in early autumn, and it has since led me to re evaluate and analyse my own life experience, and the experience of others like me.

How can we preserve sounds?

Can you feel loss for something you’ve never known?

Welcome to BBC Radio 4’s innovative new podcast – Forest 404. Set in the 24th Century in a world where forests have been erased from history, Forest 404 is an immersive sci-fi thriller starring Pearl Mackie, Tanya Moodie and Pippa Haywood – with original music by Bonobo.

You had me at ‘immersive sci-fi thriller’. Forest 404 has been on my periphery for a few weeks now, whether as a soundbite on my commute to and from work, or a title card after watching sports highlights on BBC iPlayer, I’ve been meaning to sit down and find out what all the fuss is about.

A Collection In Crisis: Why we should care about Otter Gallery closure

The recent announcement of the impending closure of the University of Chichester’s Otter Gallery has sparked fury from both the local and wider artistic community, prompting an online petition which has gained thousands of signatures over the past week, as well as attention from local media and the Museums Association.

But why should we care? What does closure mean for the collection that the Gallery exhibits? What is the wider impact for University staff, students, stakeholders and supporters?

What does proposed closure of Chichester’s only free art gallery within less than six months, and without wider consultation, say about the University’s Board of Governors, and where their priorities lie?

Breaking Through

“You’ve probably guessed I’m calling for one of two reasons…well, I’m happy to say we’d like to offer you the job.”

The Document of Doom

Having reached what I hope is the half way point of my MA dissertation, I’m struck by how odd the whole process really is. When deep into any kind of large research project a sort of bubble seems to form- in which your whole life is engulfed by the dissertation, its structure, content, purpose…trying to decide whether to write ‘effect’ or ‘affect’. The struggle seems never ending. Almost as if it has become a sentient being, or a demanding pet of sorts, the “document of doom” lives up to it’s name in unexpected ways.

Life’s a Game?

Is a strategy  to win really a winning strategy? How often have you done something, professionally or otherwise, just because it looks good? Did you really stop to question why; because you care about the real impact, or because you care about you? This week I’ve become aware of how strategically I think, and I’m not sure it’s an entirely good thing…

My Interview in Review

As anyone in the sector knows, landing a job in heritage is a tough nut to crack. This isn’t my first post on the subject, but this time I’m approaching it from a new (and hopefully wiser) perspective.

Some thoughts on ‘Reflective Practice’

Recently I had a lecture on ‘Reflective Practice’. Afterwards I realised so much of my time in education has been spent only surface learning, taking in the bare minimum, the necessary facts needed to pass test after test.

Bugs in the Beer Cellar: A Guide to Integrated Pest Management

Whilst on placement for my MA in Collections Care at Uppark House, I helped engage visitors with the wonderful world of Integrated Pest Management during a special February half-term event called ‘Bugs in the Beer Cellar’

Come and peek at the pests that are eating our collection and we’ll show you how we stop them…