Susanna with Volunteer Linda Logan During the Read Me a Story Event, 18Th October

My training placement is at the Ulster Museum where I work withthe Art Collections to engage children and families. Being an artist, I’m very excited when using the Collections to stimulate creativity and social engagement and inspire innovation, thought and discussion. When I began my placement, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew I wanted to be challenged, develop my skills as a facilitator and gain practical experience in project management.

Susanna with volunteer Linda Logan during the ‘Read me a Story’ event, 18th October.

Over the past eight months I have been involved in a diverse range of projects. I have worked with pupils from three schools in East Belfast on the Belfast City Airport ‘Porcelain Envelopes’ Project. Donated airmail letters and the Belleek Collection provided the scope for this. I have also been working with BRA students and their partners in the Arabic Language and Culture Initiative. During these sessions we have explored the influence of Islamic culture after the discovery of Cobalt Blue in Northern Iran, on ceramics and art. Both projects were enhanced by workshops with artist Lynda B.

With primary school children from Botanic Primary School and An Droichead, I have facilitated Afterschool Clubs. So far these have been fun and informal sessions during which the groups have tried new techniques and activities whilst learning about Belfast-born artists Sir John Lavery and Colin Middleton.

A perk of being based in the Ulster Museum is being fortunate to work alongside Ruth and Sue from the ‘Live and Learn’ and ‘Treasure House’ projects. I’m grateful for the valuable experience gained in facilitating some of their sessions for older people.

As well as devising and delivering programmes that use the Art Collection I have also had the opportunity to collaborate with Libraries NI to develop a pilot project which promote literacy, encourages family reading time ensures participants have fun. ‘Read me a Story’ took place on 18th October at the Ulster Museum. Libraries NI provided training in storytelling and selected storybooks which suited our collection. On the day, myself and other volunteers were scattered through the galleries reading aloud. Families were invited to visit ‘Discover Art’ where I had organised a range of activities including story games which inspired creative thinking and the chance to make something.

Susanna with Botanic Primary Afterschool Club

I’m looking forward to the next few months which will see me working with Parent Support groups and Young Carers, both in the museum and through outreach programmes. I also hope to collaborate with Susan Kelly(another CEI trainee) in developing an intergenerational programme based on folk tales and storytelling.