The Centres for curiosity and imagination project is running an exciting
series of training days in 2001 (funded by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for
England and Wales), with expert speakers, case studies and activities.
Brief details are below - each day costs £30, including lunch and
refreshments.  Also, we are holding a free seminar on 7 February in London,
exploring the concept of Centres for curiosity and imagination and how you
can set one up.  Email [log in to unmask], tel 020 7522 6919 for further
details and booking forms. 

Successful hands-on exhibits - Thursday 15 March 2001, The Natural History
Museum, London
What makes a successful hands-on exhibit for children?  How can you use real
objects in hands-on exhibits?  Special guest presenter:  Lynn McMaster,
Interpretive Specialist, Canadian Children's Museum.  Includes visits to
hands-on exhibitions at the Science Museum and The Natural History Museum.

Developing hands-on learning environments - Tuesday 27 March 2001, Eureka!
The Museum for Children, Halifax
How do you go about developing and managing a hands-on exhibition for
children?  This day will focus on project management issues.  Special guest
presenters:  Becky Jones, Interim Director, Austin Children's Museum, USA,
and Mary Sinker, US-based Children's Museum Consultant.  Take the
opportunity to look around the exhibitions at Eureka!, the largest
children's museum in the UK.

Involving local communities - Thursday 5 April 2001, Methodist International
Centre, London
How can you make sure your Centre is truly rooted in its local community?
This will consider consultation (including children's boards), volunteering,
and events and activities which encourage local people to become involved.
Special guest presenter:  Tammy Adkin, Director, London Regional Children's
Museum, Canada.

Ensuring access - Wednesday 9 May 2001, Cardiff
How can you provide maximum access to your Centre for children (and adults)
with disabilities?  How can you ensure that you comply with current
disability legislation?  This day will brief you on all the key issues, and
will be led by a specialist disability consultant.  

Why, what, when and how - an introduction to evaluation - Thursday 7 June
2001, The New Art Gallery, Walsall
Why is it essential to evaluate exhibitions and services, both before and
after opening?  What techniques can you use?  This will equip you with
invaluable skills.  Also offers the chance to visit Walsall's hands-on
Children's Gallery.
 
Involving local communities - Thursday 28 June 2001, Laing Art Gallery,
Newcastle
Covers the same ground as 5 April, but will be led by Jocelyn Dodd, Museum
Consultant and and Research Manager for the Research Centre for Museums and
Galleries, Leicester University.  Includes a look at the Laing Children's
Gallery.    

Alison Coles, Project Manager
'Centres for curiosity and imagination'
Kids' Clubs Network, Bellerive House, 3 Muirfield Crescent, London E14 9SZ
www.centresforcuriosity.org.uk
Tel +44 (0)20 7522 6978, fax (0)20 7512 2010
Or try Project Administrator, Georgina Akrigg, on 020 7522 6919
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