Dear all
Please see below for details of a one day conference organised by the
Visitor Studies Group (www.visitors.org.uk) at the British Museum on 1st
February 2008. Please find attached a conference flyer and a booking form
or download them from http://www.visitors.org.uk/node/147
Best wishes
Olga
Dr Olga Fakatseli
Research Associate
Audience Focus
117 Haverstock Hill
London NW3 4RS, UK
t +44 (0)20 74330516
e [log in to unmask]
w www.audiencefocus.com
Out of the Comfort Zone: Exploring Sensitive Issues
VSG AGM and Conference
British Museum, London
1st February 2007
Overview:
This one day conference will focus on visitor research which examines
sensitive issues and conflicting ideas. Such issues may include areas that
are very private and personal and subjects that some might feel
uncomfortable to discuss or researchers might find difficult to ask about.
The conference will consider how sensitive areas can be explored in a
meaningful and appropriate way. Through a variety of case-studies and
practical advice it will seek answer to the following questions:
* How can general concerns and questions about difficult issues be
dealt with?
* How can evaluation generate meaningful exchange among diverse people
on sensitive issues?
* How can the values and agendas of differentiated audiences be
researched with sensitivity, so that powerful relationships are forged, new
voices are heard and new narratives are created?
* How can exploring sensitive issues provide opportunities for
bringing people together so making institutions more inclusive and
accessible?
Speakers include:
Jim Broughton - Head of Interpretation, The British Museum, London
Julia Cassim - Senior Research Fellow, Royal College of Art, London
Michelle Foggett - New Audience Advocate, Science Museum, London
Frazer Swift - Head of Learning & Lucie Amos - Head of Community & Audience
Development, Museum of London, London
Who is it for?
Museum, cultural, and natural heritage professionals, audience researchers,
students, and all those with an interest in how visitor research can inform
interpretation and foster decision-making to the benefit of their
institutions.
Benefits for the audience:
* Opportunities for learning to increase their confidence in
approaching sensitive areas
* Practical guidelines for conducting their own research in the area
of sensitive issues
* Improving their own practices through learning from others
* Expertise and examples through case-studies
* A forum for discussion in order to share ideas, thoughts,
experiences and concerns
* Networking opportunities
* A post-event online discussion forum through the VSG website
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