RAMMbassadors

Case study

RAMMbassadors: University students learn from objects and share with visitors

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) worked with local students studying towards a history degree (the so-called ‘RAMMbassadors’) to produce performances about museum artefacts.

The challenges

  • To provide history students at Exeter University with an opportunity to interact with RAMM’s collections, contribute to their studies and CVs, and share their learning with the public
  • To encourage young people’s friends to experience RAMM for the first time

 The background

RAMM has developed a close relationship with Exeter University. The pilot version of RAMMbassadors was devised during a Fine Art exhibition Into the Light, a star attraction for the museum’s re-opening after a multimillion-pound redevelopment. It worked with specific paintings in a particular gallery space. The second version project, supported by the University Guild and funded by Arts Council England (ACE), focused instead on RAMM’s own collections, across its galleries

The project

Twelve students researched and wrote short, live performances about their choice of artefacts in RAMM’s galleries, supported by a museum coordinator, and recorded them for YouTube. Curators met the students to share their knowledge and passion about the objects chosen by the young people.

What changed?

The students enjoyed the project, and were pleased with their online presence, but were unable to persuade their peers to come and support their live performances.  It also became clear that live presentation in relatively small gallery spaces was challenging.

What did people say?

“I really enjoyed the experience of working with you and within RAMM.” Participant

“It was fun and I felt I got a lot out of the experience in terms of developing skills.” Participant

“I don’t think I’ll be able to go to a single museum again now without looking at every single object.” Participant

What next?

Without external funding, RAMMbassadors is unsustainable. Students participated voluntarily and were highly motivated, but their participation was not linked formally to their studies. RAMM would like to see work like this included in teaching plans and formally funded as a proper business arrangement. In return, it would need to deliver clearly on agreed aspects of courses.

For further information

Please contact Ruth Gidley,  RAMM Engagement Officer: [email protected]

RAMMbassadors Case Study PDF