The CREADIS3 good practice Building a new relationship with the children's audience "Building" the visitors of the future is now published in the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform good practice database.
The Archaeological Museum of Patras (Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia - Ministry of Culture and Sports) is a state museum and set as a priority the design of new educational programs for both school groups & families with children, the organization of periodical exhibitions on subjects from ancient & contemporary culture, lectures, seminars & entertainment events. Some actions:
►Sunday at the Museum: A family educational activity that takes place 1 Sunday/month (except July-August). The action includes storytelling inspired by Museum exhibits, discovery games, role playing & hidden treasure, visual activities etc. For this action, 35 new educational programs were designed & implemented.
►Holidays in the Museum: Holidays at the Museum is a July Summer Camp, which includes a 5-day educational action that combines learning with play & visual expression. Children discover ancient Greek culture.
►Night at the Museum: A unique experience aiming at the appropriation & emotional connection of children with the museum place.
►Club of little archaeologists: It Is an innovative annual educational program. It concerns the creation of a group of 20 children that have 9monthly meetings aiming at participation in creative activities & games on exhibits of the museum as well as acquaintance with aspects of ancient Greek civilization. It is worth mentioning that the program of the Club is not implemented in any other public museum (archaeological or other) of the country
This particular practice is easily transferable to other regions/ countries, with the necessary adjustments of educational programs to each museum’s specific exhibits and/or objects on display.
As in this case, a comprehensive communication strategy is central for the effective planning and implementation of such activities, and for their success (i.e. through wide participation).
Lack of available resources for such educational initiatives in other museums may limit transferability of this practice.
Carl Arvid Dahlöf – Interreg Expert opinion
This practice represents an example of innovative measures cultural institutions can take in order to stay relevant and attractive to new audiences. The offer comprise a number of activities and the practice highlights the mix of educational content and children’s entertainment; it shows the many opportunities to capitalise on cultural assets. Museums compete with other forms of entertainment for the audience’s attention, and activities like those implemented in the practice could serve as inspiration to others. The potential for transfer should be high thanks to the adaptability of the practice by the individual institutions.
Visit the database to read more about this good practice: www.interregeurope.eu/policylearning/good-practices/item/973/building-a-new-relationship-with-the-children-s-audience-building-the-visitors-of-the-future/
Information about Archaeological Museum of Patras: www.ampatron.gr
