MA students join us for ‘virtual’ placements

We’re really excited to announce that we have three students working with us on placements this summer. The graduates, from the Heritage Management MA course at Bath Spa University, are tackling different areas of our work.

The opportunity came about because of the lockdown. The students had been booked for on-site placements, but these fell through when all museums closed. The university contacted us in a desperate bid to find virtual placements instead.

Cathy Lewis, Wessex Museums Marketing & Digital Officer, said:

“We jumped at the chance to pilot the placements because one of our key objectives is working with young people and giving them creative, meaningful opportunities. We’re finding it really stimulating to hear what the students have to say, and to see our museums from their perspectives.”

Lauren Doughty

Lauren is working with Wiltshire Museum to create a new website that will feature objects from museums across the whole county.

“I chose this project because I have always loved audio media. The great thing about podcasts is that it is accessible world-wide. So, someone from across the world could listen to a podcast about Wessex Museums which could lead them to visit these museums, recommend them to others, and learn more about this region of England. I am extremely excited to see how I can help Wessex Museums interact with a whole new audience.”

“I chose this project because I have always loved audio media. The great thing about podcasts is that it is accessible world-wide. So, someone from across the world could listen to a podcast about Wessex Museums which could lead them to visit these museums, recommend them to others, and learn more about this region of England. I am extremely excited to see how I can help Wessex Museums interact with a whole new audience.”

Laura Opel

Laura has the challenge of researching virtual exhibitions, with particular view to informing our Objects on Tour programme which goes digital this year.

“I am researching ways to make virtual exhibitions and contemporary collecting more engaging, particularly for young adults.  I absolutely love going to museums and heritage sites, but I know many of my friends feel differently.  So I am interested in why that is and what might be done to address the issue. I am hoping this will allow me to better align sector and visitor needs but also, to boost my employability.”

Cathleen Pina

Cathleen is researching podcasting for us, with a view to producing recommendations, best practice guidelines and a list of necessary software and equipment. She said:

“I chose this project because I have always loved audio media. The great thing about podcasts is that it is accessible world-wide. So, someone from across the world could listen to a podcast about Wessex Museums which could lead them to visit these museums, recommend them to others, and learn more about this region of England. I am extremely excited to see how I can help Wessex Museums interact with a whole new audience.”

“My primary role is to upload images and information about the chosen objects. Due to my interest in interpretation, I also hope to produce additional content to engage more diverse audiences, particularly 17-24 year olds. Being able to apply my ideas to such a notable project is a fabulous opportunity, and I hope my experience will stand me in good stead for finding a job in the heritage world.”

 

Laura Opel

Laura has the challenge of researching virtual exhibitions, with particular view to informing our Objects on Tour programme which goes digital this year.

“I am researching ways to make virtual exhibitions and contemporary collecting more engaging, particularly for young adults.  I absolutely love going to museums and heritage sites, but I know many of my friends feel differently.  So I am interested in why that is and what might be done to address the issue. I am hoping this will allow me to better align sector and visitor needs but also, to boost my employability.”

Cathleen Pina

Cathleen is researching podcasting for us, with a view to producing recommendations, best practice guidelines and a list of necessary software and equipment. She said:

“I chose this project because I have always loved audio media. The great thing about podcasts is that it is accessible world-wide. So, someone from across the world could listen to a podcast about Wessex Museums which could lead them to visit these museums, recommend them to others, and learn more about this region of England. I am extremely excited to see how I can help Wessex Museums interact with a whole new audience.”

Sawfish are also called carpenter sharks...but they are rays, not sharks!

There’s also a species called a sawshark, but that’s, well, a shark!

What the heck is a lek?

Males great bustards perform spectacular courtship displays, gathering at a ‘lek’ or small display ground to try to impress the females.

Road Runner!

The great bustard has a dignified slow walk but tends to run when disturbed, rather than fly.

Belly Buster!

The hen-bird on display at The Salisbury Museum was one of the last great bustards to be eaten in the town!

Skip to content