Partnership between Museum and adult learning body is given £5,000 boost

A joint project between the Corinium Museum and the University of the Third Age has been given a financial boost thanks to a £5,000 grant.

The Cirencester museum, owned by Cotswold District Council, had applied to the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council for financial help to enable them to work with the four Cotswold branches of the U3A on an adult learning programme.

The project will now create a new partnership between the museum and the local U3A groups, which will run from October 2009 to March 2010.

The number of staff that the Corinium Museum could provide to conduct lectures and talks is almost at full capacity, however there are underused collections and spaces within the Park Street museum which can now be used by the U3A to deliver adult learning.

Overall, there are four parts to the new project, which are as follows:

Project 1 - Access to the spaces and resources of the Corinium Museum

For a number of sessions, the lecture theatre and activity room will be provided free of charge to U3A groups. There will also be access, guided by Museum staff, to the resources at the Museum including the galleries, temporary exhibition gallery, library, resource boxes, local history files, and reserve collections.

Project 2 - Develop use of the Resource Centre (collections store)

U3A groups will be encouraged to use the collections at the Centre as an inspiration for learning.

Project 3 - Introduction to the study of Archaeology

None of the local U3A groups have an archaeology activity group. Now, museum staff will use their extensive archaeological knowledge and the Museum's collections to introduce members to the archaeology of the area and the opportunities for further study.

Project 4 - Travelling Exhibition

The Project will culminate in a small touring exhibition (and virtual exhibition) and information leaflet which will promote the Museum Service as a learning resource ; encourage membership of the U3A's; and promote the benefits of informal adult learning.

Cllr David Fowles, Cotswold District Council's Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said:

"The Corinium Museum was one of 20 successful applicants nationally to receive this grant, out of a total of 99, so we are understandably delighted.

"This will enable the Cirencester museum to provide adult education by offering the use of its resources, and will promote the venue and its collections to a wider audience.

"This can only increase the museum's reputation and add to its standing as one of the best tourist destinations in the south west."

This project supports Cotswold District Council's ‘Supporting Communities' priority by helping to improve the quality of life for older people.

It also meets two objectives within the Corinium Museum's Service Forward Plan.

For further information on the Corinium Museum or this new project, please contact the venue on 01285 655611 or email museums@cotswold.gov.uk

Source: Cotswold District Council