I’m off to, what is fast becoming my second city, Liverpool to deliver a creative wellbeing workshop at Walker Art Gallery for North West Federation of Artists.
A colleague asked me if I’d still be delivering workshops in my new life as a museum consultant. ‘Of course!’ I replied, probably a bit too enthusiastically, as I am known to do.
It’s true a lot of my work now focuses on consultancy and training – around topics like mindful engagement, developing creative health work, trauma-informed practice, measuring impact. But I would never want to give up face to face workshop delivery.
Why? Well, because I love it.
First and foremost, I’m a museum educator
I love learning, I believe in the power of education – I love learning from others and I love when others learn from me. That’s what floats my boat.
It gives me immense joy to share what I’ve learnt over the years about art, museums and mental health and see the impact that has on other people, institutions and peers.
Plus I believe it’s good to keep your hand in the job that you’re training other people to do. Remind yourself what it’s like and what it takes – it only leads to better things.
It’s a practice and we all know what practice makes… progress! (Because perfection isn’t the goal.)
If you interested in consultancy around arts, health, museums and everything in between you can contact me: mindful.museums@gmail.com
Pic: Having a break outside The Bluecoat
Louise Thompson 