The Galleries of Justice Museum, Nottingham has been involved with a national museum Takeover Day for the third year running.
A general preconception amongst a lot of young people is that museums are dull and boring. On Friday 21 November the National Centre for Citizenship and the Law (NCCL) at the Galleries of Justice Museum broke down these misconceptions by engaging with nine local college students and taking part in a nationwide ‘Takeover Day’ hosted by museums around the country.
Georgia, a student from New College Nottingham said: “I enjoyed the experience because the tour was fun and I learnt more about the museum”.
Claire, another student commented “It was interesting taking part in the conversations behind the scenes.”
At the Galleries of Justice Museum, Takeover Day was organised by the NCCL team, based in Nottingham. The event involved nine students from New College Nottingham who enjoyed a Crime and Punishment tour and also viewed the exhibition spaces. NCCL strongly believe in the ethos of Takeover Day which is to give young people a real opportunity to join in, engage and make their voices heard.
Pollie Shorthouse, Executive Director of NCCL said: “Takeover Day provides a valuable opportunity to encourage and support the participation of young people in the heritage site. NCCL and the Galleries of Justice Museum are passionate about including children and young people in our work. We want to inspire each and every young person that walks through our doors and listen to their ideas and feedback”.
In the afternoon the young people were given the chance to put forward their creative ideas and suggestions for new events and exhibitions at the museum.
Students were also introduced to the Galleries of Justice Museum Youth Panel. The Youth Panel consists of a group of young people who meet at the museum once a month and get involved with projects, events, exhibitions and promotions. NCCL and The Galleries of Justice Museum are keen to listen to the voices of young people as they develop their plans for the future.
The Takeover event was particularly useful for the students who were studying ‘Travel and Tourism’ as the day also provided an insight into the workings of Nottingham’s award-winning visitor attraction. The day was filled with information, imagination and inspiration.
Want to be involved next year?
If you’re thinking about hosting a Takeover Day at your museum, take a look at the Kids in Museums Takeover Day 2014 page for some inspiration and tips.
