Libraries Live Journal - Journal - Page 1
Challenge One
Group Engagement
Delivery was initially targeted at current
user groups and volunteers to support
the action research. This jarred with the
expectations and desires of groups with
set routines who became resistant to
participation and change.
‘I think the idea of engaging older
people is fine but running activities and
hoping people will come is very difficult
to achieve success. A workshop-focused
programme didn’t really work to bring
in new people or engage many existing
volunteers or participants.’
Artist Ruth Singer
Problem Solving
Ruth set up open sessions around the
times that library group activity took
place. She offered talks about her work
and organised an afternoon tea event to
offer a more accessible route to taking
part. To encourage further involvement,
Ruth led a creative walk around the
village; talking about community,
exploring the visual and sensory
world of Newbold Verdon & shared her
thoughts about seeing the world through
an artists’ eyes.
Outcome
A longer lead in time for community
members to get to know Ruth and her
practice and to feel more confident about
the project would have been beneficial
from the beginning. The pattern walks
were a great success, participants felt
more engaged with the subject and it
helped them understand Ruth’s work
while they experienced their village in a
completely new way.
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