September 2005
Contents
Specialist meeting on working with science clubs and non-school youth
Full member institutions invited to the Ecsite Directors' Forum
Conference celebrates achievements of ReDiscover grant scheme
Support for National Science Week events
Glasgow Science Centre appoints new CEO
NEWS FROM THE ECSITE-UK OFFICE
All geared up for the AGM, 8 September
Statements from candidates standing for election to the Committee are now on our website. To read these pitches prior to the meeting please go to
www.sciencecentres.org.uk/about/candidates.html [archive - link removed]
To arrange a proxy vote - if you cannot attend the meeting - contact one of the attendees known to you (see list of attendees at www.sciencecentres.org.uk/about/agm_form.php [archive - link removed]), or contact enquiries@ecsite-uk.net by end Tuesday 6 September.
NEWS FROM THE ECSITE-UK OFFICE
Specialist meeting in October focuses on working with science clubs and non-school youth organisations, 19-20 October, Stroud
There is a growing interest in talking about the (best) ways of running a science club and, more generally, working with non-school youth organisations. The purpose of the specialist meeting is to share ideas and experiences - success stories and lessons learnt, and to network face-to-face, establishing and reaffirming personal connections.
The areas we hope the gathering will address are:
- Running a science club at a science centre/museum (who runs one already, and how does it work? who would like to set up a science club at their venue?)
- Working with non-school youth organisations (who works with youth groups, young offenders schemes, Young People's Parliaments, Scouts, Guides, etc? Who would like to expand their audiences by working with these types of groups?)
- Linking with non-school youth organisation award schemes (who already has programmed events for award schemes, eg BA Science Communicator, Brownie Stargazers, UK Youth awards etc, and who would like to develop new programmes to target these new audiences?)
Target participants are managers of learning/public programmes at science centres and museums - those who have a remit to develop and deliver programmes to these non-school audiences. Priority will be given in the first instance to Ecsite-uk members, but applications from other organisations are also welcome.
The specialist meeting is supported by the Potential Trust - there is no registration fee BUT places are limited to one per venue.
For further information contact Dr Louise Webb (Ecsite-uk Project Manager) at louise@scizmic.net
NEWS FROM ECSITE'S BRUSSELS OFFICE
Ecsite full members invited to the Directors' Forum
Full-member institutions are invited to the annual 'Directors' Forum', this year hosted by the Cité de l'espace in Toulouse, 25-27 November.
The specific topic to be explored is "the grey zone between science centres and theme parks". Full members are invited to propose themes for sessions, sub themes that should be addressed and possibly one topic that you would like to speak about.
For details and a full programme, contact Walter Staveloz: wstaveloz@ecsite.net
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
Unparalled offer!
Neil Joy offers: "a nearly complete collection of all issues of the New Scientist magazine from October 1966 to the present day. Before consigning them to be recycled, I thought I would try to see if this collection would be of any interest to an organisation (or indeed an individual) for reference or research. I am loath to dispose of it all if it could be of use to someone.
"Most of the index pages (issued every three months) are also available, starting in 1986.
"The volumes are all in chronological order, packed in cardboard boxes. There are some 20 boxes (each typically the size of a case for a dozen wine bottles and weighing about 35 lbs, so they could be easily carried by a small van or a car making two journeys). They are currently located in west London, near the Chiswick flyover."
Interested? Contact: neiljoy@tinyworld.co.uk
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
British Interactive Group seeks venue for 2006
BIG is now accepting expressions of interest from organisations interested in hosting the annual BIG Event in 2006.
By hosting the BIG Event organisations have the opportunity to showcase their venue to national and international guests and participate in a forum of new programmes or exhibitions. The event is managed by the British Interactive Group executive and there is no direct financial cost to the hosting organisation.
We are looking for venues that:
- Are within the UK
- Are actively involved in science communication and interactivity
- Have a large plenary discussion room (70-150 delegates) with 3-4 breakout rooms (40-60 participants)
- Have a demonstration space for shows and/or workshops
- Have catering facilities
- Fulfil general accessibility requirements
Potential organisations are asked to identify a staff member who would be willing to act as an on-site liaison and join the British Interactive Group Executive for the year preceding the BIG Event. (September 2005 - July 2006)
Expressions of interest will be accepted until 15 September 2005 and should be addressed to Emmie Kell, Chair of the British Interactive Group: Emmie.Kell@thinktank.ac
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR
Conference celebrates achievements of the ReDiscover grant scheme
ReDiscover is a £33 million venture between the Millennium Commission, the Wellcome Trust and the Wolfson Foundation . This science centre and museum renewal fund has supported the development and production of a wide range of interactive and innovative exhibitions designed to inform, excite and engage the public in science, technology and engineering.
A one day conference is being held to mark the end of ReDiscover and will bring together the science centre and museum community and the ReDiscover grant holders to showcase some of these initiatives, stimulate new thinking and share learning of the projects.
ReDiscover One Day Conference, Institute of Electrical Engineers, London, 28th October 2005: the morning session will consist of keynote speeches and a showcase of selected ReDiscover projects. Following lunch, the afternoon session will be dedicated to three themed seminars.
If you would like to attend, please send an email to conferences@wellcome.ac.uk (insert "ReDiscover" into the subject line) for a registration form and conference programme. Places are limited so early registration is recommended.
RESOURCE
Support for National Science Week events
The new, updated 2006 guide to funding can now be found on the NSW website. This includes a list of grants available, ideas on where to look for funding and a new guide on how to attract sponsorship for your event.
Both the Research Councils UK and the British Ecological Society are offering special grants for National Science Week events, so if you know anyone who you think may be interested in these, please pass the information on!
www.britishecologicalsociety.org/articles/grants/runmeetings/#national_science
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
Glasgow Science Centre appoints new CEO
Kirk Ramsay has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Glasgow Science Centre where he has been interim Chief Executive for the last 9 months.
Currently Director of Learning Technologies at Learndirect Scotland, Kirk brings a wealth of experience and contacts to his new role.
He said "I have enjoyed the last few months as interim CEO immensely and I have been very impressed by the knowledge, experience and commitment of the GSC team. I am delighted to be taking on the full time role and am looking forward to leading the exciting developments which I know are ahead. For example; GSC will be playing a leading role in progressing the Scottish Science Centre Network, will be launching a major new exhibition, 'Through the Looking Glass' at the start of 2006, working hard to maintain our position of 3rd most visited paid attraction in Scotland and developing exciting new education programmes for schoolchildren. And of course all of that requires funding - another priority going forward!"
DIARY DATES
First meeting for Education/Programming Managers
26-27 September, Liverpool
After a number of requests from Ecsite-uk members, we are pleased to announce the first specialist meeting for education/programming managers to be held 26-27 September 2005 (2pm start with a lunchtime finish the next day), at the World Museum Liverpool.
The event is designed to provide a forum to discuss issues relating to education and public programming at science centres and museums, and hopefully lead to the development of partnership projects. Participants themselves will set the detailed agenda.
Although the meeting is free to Ecsite-uk members, places are limited to one per member institution and must be pre-booked. The deadline for bookings is 19 September.
For further information, and to book a place for your institution, please contact Dr Louise Webb, Ecsite-uk project manager, louise@scizmic.net
TEG Marketplace
On Monday 3 October the Touring Exhibitions Group (TEG) holds its annual Marketplace at the Millennium Galleries, Sheffield
TEG was founded in 1985 and has grown to a membership network of over 250 galleries, museums, libraries and organisations. The membership represents a supportive collective of people who put together exhibitions and tour them across the UK and potentially abroad.
Marketplace 2005 is an exceptional day event for anyone who is responsible for organising exhibitions of any kind from visual art, craft and design to social history, science & technology. There will be an opportunity for members to promote their own forthcoming exhibitions and to meet and learn from other professionals.
Marketplace 2005 is open to TEG members at £14.99 per place and non-members £50 per place with a free year's membership included.
To book contact Judith Kelly judithwkelly@ntlworld.com or tel 029 2030 4923
www.teg-net.org.uk [archived page - link removed]
Specialist Seminar on 'Special events: programming and marketing'
Thursday 6 October, 10.30-16.00 at the Dana Centre, South Kensington
Ecsite-uk specialist seminars and workshops aim to strengthen networking between science centres & museums, and to improve professional practice through skill sharing.
Supported by NESTA the event on 6 October will focus on marketing and programming for temporary exhibitions, one-off events, and difficult-to-reach teenage audiences - specialist speakers in the morning, then three breakout groups for world-café style discussion (www.theworldcafe.com) in the afternoon.
Free to Ecsite-uk members, and NESTA will reimburse reasonable travel/accommodation costs for participants coming from outside London.
For further information, and to book a place, contact enquiries@ecsite-uk.net
Visitor Attractions Conference
12 October, London
Following the success of the First National Conference of Visitor Attractions we are delighted to announce that The Second National Conference of Visitor Attractions will be taking place on Wednesday 12th October 2005 at the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre London.
Ecsite-uk
Dr Melanie Quin, Executive Director
Ecsite-uk: the Network of Science Centres and Museums
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