Review by Debbie Richards, freelance consultant
(£12.50 [£15.34 inc. p&p*])
The Family Friendly Final Report and accompanying CD-ROM summarises the story of Arts About Manchester?s project that developed from 1998 to 2001, aiming to better meet the needs of families. The partners in the project were mainly museums and galleries, and this report is probably of most interest to practitioners in these sectors, although other arts and non-arts partners were also involved.
The report contains a number of case studies, the most interesting of which describe the ideas that were developed to improve family provision. Check out ?The Problem with Pictures?, Bury Art Gallery & Museum?s book to help families engage with paintings in the gallery; the Pump House People?s History Museum activity trolley, including folding stools and paper and pencil based activities that families can take round the museum; and the Whitworth Art Gallery?s Globetrotter Backpacks. The report also reminds us that word-of-mouth and the endorsement of other families provides helpful reassurance; that information about comfort factors and logistics is as valuable as information about the events themselves; and physical interaction, including touching, is very important for children. The key learning points are relatively broad, focusing on organisational commitment and approach and the nature of the whole experience.
*For further information and invoicing, contact SAM?s Books, Chaldon Court, Church Lane, Chaldon, Caterham, CR3 5AL t/f: 01883 345011 e: books@sam-arts.co.uk; w: http://www.sam-arts.co.uk