Fitzwilliam Museum: Reimagining

Context: Reimagining, conducted from April to May 2024, expanded on the foundations of Look, Imagine, Move, project which was initiated in 2021 in collaboration with Meridian Primary Care Network as part of the University of Cambridge Museum’s Age Well programme. It focused on enhancing physical and emotional resilience in adults suffering from chronic pain, musculoskeletal conditions, and stroke survivors through creative engagement. Aims: The primary goal of Reimagining was to explore how creative practices can foster a more inclusive and healthier museum environment. Additionally, it sought to inform future programming and research initiatives within the museum. This included the co-development of participatory workshops that invited diverse participant experiences, to address health inequalities and create social cohesions. Methods: Reimagining involved four participatory workshops that paired creativity with reflective evaluation, facilitated by local dance artist Filipa Pereira-Stubbs and Dr Emily Bradfield (Practitioner Research Associate). The workshops were conducted in two series to increase accessibility, providing a morning and afternoon offer. Participants engaged in dance-based activities in gallery spaces, followed by discussions to evaluate experiences using Creative Health Quality Principles and Evaluation Principles. Findings: Participants reported transformative experiences, describing the museum as a "safe space" that encouraged emotional openness and social connection. Themes developed included moving away from traditional medical models of disability and ill-health to a focus on improving subjective wellbeing. Practitioner reflections focused on the need for a person-centred, flexible approach to ensure every individual’s needs can be met. The evaluation showed that participants felt empowered and valued within the museum community, leading to connections beyond the project. Implications: Insights gained from Reimagining contributed to the development of a set of principles for inclusive practice in museums. The findings suggest that creative engagement not only enhances individual wellbeing but can also serve as a catalyst for forming supportive communities within museum spaces. This model may guide other practitioners in designing similar inclusive programs across different cultural institutions.

Keywords (free text)

museums, inclusive practice, health and wellbeing, participant engagement, creative programmes, community development

Permanent link to cite this item

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14069/1028

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Fitzwilliam Museum Research Briefings