Hanuman Mask
[uncredited]
Hanuman Mask
[uncredited]
A partnership between Leicestershire’s Library and Open Museum services, Write:Muse aims to use museum objects and artworks as inspiration for the development of self-expression through creative writing in the county.
The project has taken place at library and museum venues within villages and market towns in the county of Leicestershire. The intention was to provide a positive creative experience in these venues and raise awareness of the resources available.
‘So, so important at a personal level as well as refreshing me professionally. [Now I intend] to take a 'creative approach'… to create time to enable some of that to happen.’
Leicestershire County Council’s Literature Development Officer and Open Museum Officer collaborated to devise a project that would support those working in educational, outreach or development roles who may lack the skills or confidence to support their service users in creative self-expression, while also raising awareness of the resources available within the county.
Charnwood Museum
[uncredited]
Seven local professional writers were recruited to deliver creative writing workshops that used museum displays, objects and artworks from the Open Museum loan collections as starting points for creative activity.
The idea was to explore new approaches and develop the capacity of educators and development workers so that they felt better equipped to deliver creative work with service users.
A second phase of the project (continuing to 2007) will support collaborations between the project writers and six local visual artists, culminating in a set of postcards and an exhibition, to raise awareness of local museum resources as a source of inspiration, education and creativity. A Good Practice Guide will also be produced, sharing the project’s outcomes and ideas and approaches for developing creative writing and providing a sustainable resource.
Write:Muse Case Study