Best Gallery Crawl Podcasts (2025)

1
She Shapes History: Building Community Through Women's History Tours with Sita Sargeant 42:46

21h ago42:46

42:46

In this episode of The Art Engager podcast, host Claire Bown talks with Sita Sargeant, founder and self-described 'Chief Troublemaker' at She Shapes History, a trailblazing Australian company on a mission. What began as weekly walks in Canberra has grown into a thriving social enterprise with nationwide expansion plans for their women-focused histo…

1
Slow looking in sacred spaces: Antwerp's church-based Slow Art Day movement 33:42

11d ago33:42

33:42

In this episode, host Claire Bown talks with Tonia Dhaese and Armand Storck about the church-based Slow Art Day movement in Antwerp. We explore why churches provide ideal settings for slow looking and how the architecture, lighting, and atmosphere naturally encourage contemplation. For Slow Art Day 2025 (April 5), listeners will learn about events …

1
Engaging museum visitors through escape rooms and immersive storytelling with Francine Boon 41:27

26d ago41:27

41:27

In this episode host Claire Bown talks with Francine Boon, a self-described 'sociologist turned mystery maker' and co-director of Sherlocked, an award-winning experience design studio based in Amsterdam, about transforming how visitors engage with museums through immersive storytelling and game design. Francine shares two major museum projects in t…

1
6 ways to create powerful connections in museum experiences 24:26

1M ago24:26

24:26

In today's solo episode, host Claire Bown explores why museums are as much about people as they are about objects, and shares six powerful ways to create meaningful connections in your guided experiences. How can museums provide spaces for genuine human interaction in our increasingly disconnected world? What might happen when we put 'connection be…

1
Uncertainty: Finding wonder in not knowing with Maggie Jackson 52:18

2M ago52:18

52:18

In this episode host Claire Bown talks with Maggie Jackson, an award-winning author, former Boston Globe columnist and independent scholar, about the power of uncertainty and how embracing not-knowing might transform our work in museums. Maggie Jackson's latest book "Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure" has been making waves - named on…

1
Building trust and psychological safety on guided experiences in museums 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

In today's solo episode, host Claire Bown discusses the importance of trust and psychological safety in guided museum experiences. In this episode, we're looking at how to create the conditions that allow people to really engage with art and objects. We're going to explore why trust matters in museum facilitation, what psychological safety looks li…

1
Art Crawl: Revolutionising infant engagement with art at the Clyfford Still Museum 40:48

3M ago40:48

40:48

In this episode host Claire Bown talks with Nicole Cromartie, Director of Learning and Engagement, and Paris Baker, Family, Early Childhood and Community Engagement Manager at the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver. Inspired by Nicole's experience with her baby niece 13 years ago, the Clyfford Still Museum has pioneered innovative ways to engage infan…

1
Making museums accessible for children with barriers to education with Nicky McIntosh 32:03

4M ago32:03

32:03

In this episode host Claire Bown talks with Nicky McIntosh, a museum consultant with over 25 years of experience in the UK museum sector. Inspired by her own family's experiences, Nicky specialises in making museums more accessible for children who struggle to attend school and is currently developing a toolkit to support museums and galleries in t…

1
Coaching in Gallery Spaces with Beth Clare McManus 54:37

5M ago54:37

54:37

In this episode host Claire Bown talks with Beth Clare McManus, a coaching psychologist, artist and researcher based in Manchester, UK. Beth's work as a coach and supervisor aims to support people to be happy and well in their professional practice. Listen in as Beth shares how museum and gallery spaces offer unique potential for coaching - creatin…

1
Transforming museum experiences through drawing with Jessica Hartshorn 36:11

5M ago36:11

36:11

In today's episode, host Claire Bown talks with illustrator and educator Jessica Hartshorn. Based in the UK, Jessi specialises in creating engaging artwork for the cultural and heritage sector, blending her background as a museum educator with her artistic skills. Her work includes family trails, maps, and educational resources designed to foster d…

1
How to use The Universal Questioning Practice 15:59

6M ago15:59

15:59

In today's solo episode, host Claire Bown focusing on one of the key Questioning Practices from her book, The Art Engager: Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums. In this episode, we’ll be exploring The Universal Questioning Practice in detail, how it came about and how you can use it with art and objects. The Universal is an all-purpose and ver…

1
What are Questioning Practices? 18:01

6M ago18:01

18:01

In today's solo episode, host Claire Bown explores one of the key practices from her new book, "The Art Engager, Reimagining Guided Experiences in Museums" - Questioning Practices. Questioning Practices (QP) are structured sets of questions or prompts designed to guide inquiry, stimulate critical thinking, and facilitate learning in museum and gall…

1
Building trust and making meaningful connections in museums with Anja Høegh 35:50

7M ago35:50

35:50

In today's episode, host Claire Bown talks with museum educator and project manager Anja Høegh. Anja shares her passion for creating engaging experiences in museums and cultural spaces, emphasising the importance of building trust and making meaningful connections with visitors. Anja reveals practical techniques to enhance visitor engagement, inclu…

1
Applying Museum Education Skills to Organisational Culture with Rebecca Shulman 31:47

7M ago31:47

31:47

In today's episode host Claire Bown talks with museum consultant Rebecca Shulman. Rebecca has a wealth of experience in museum education and leadership, and is passionate about how we can make museums better places to work through improving organisational culture. Listen in to discover why museum educators are naturally suited for leadership roles …

1
Facilitating dialogue and handling conflicts with Linda Norris 36:23

7M ago36:23

36:23

In this episode, host Claire Bown talks with Linda Norris, a Senior Specialist in Methodology and Practice at the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience. Linda is known for her work in museum capacity-building, leading training and workshops for major museums and historic sites like the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and the War Childhood Mu…

1
Slow looking and social interaction in museums with Sasha Igdalova 48:30

10M ago48:30

48:30

Today, I'm talking to Sasha Igdalova about the exciting research she’s been conducting over the past few years around aesthetic experience, slow looking and social interaction in museums. Aleksandra (Sasha) Igdalova is an interdisciplinary researcher in the final year of her Psychology PhD at Goldsmiths, University of London conducting large-scale,…

1
Stimulating the senses: using smell to engage visitors 43:01

10M ago43:01

43:01

How can we use our sense of smell to engage visitors? My guest today, Sofia Collette Ehrich is an art historian and curator of multisensory experiences. She was a key researcher on Odeuropa - a European funded Horizon 2020 project that advocated for smell as an important part of Europe’s cultural heritage. We discuss when she first realised her pas…

1
The power of inquiry, curiosity and questioning with Trevor MacKenzie 36:37

11M ago36:37

36:37

My guest today, Trevor MacKenzie is an experienced teacher, author, keynote speaker and inquiry consultant who has worked in schools throughout North America, Asia, Australia, South Africa and Europe. Trevor’s day job is as a high school English teacher in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, He teaches from an inquiry stance, guided by specific val…

1
Slow listening and philosophical questioning in the museum 39:51

11M ago39:51

39:51

How can we engage children with classical music in the museum environment? Today, I'm talking to Cecilie Skøtt about how to engage students with the music of Carl Nielsen through a blend of philosophical questioning and the art of slow listening. Cecilie Skøtt is a mediation designer at Hans Christian Andersen’s House and the Carl Nielsen Museum in…

1
Fostering curiosity and critical thinking on self-guided field trips 35:04

12M ago35:04

35:04

Today, I'm excited to chat with Kylie Neagle about fostering curiosity and critical thinking on self-guided field trips for teachers and students. Kylie Neagle is the Education Coordinator at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA) in Adelaide . With a small team and limited resources, catering to diverse student needs can be challenging. Volunte…

1
Creating informal engagement with museum visitor teams 31:28

12M ago31:28

31:28

In this episode, we take a closer look at museum visitor teams with Dickon Moore, Visitor Experience Manager at Wellcome Collection in London. Discover how these teams master the art of informal engagement, creating meaningful interactions that enhance visitors' museum experiences. Key Points: Understanding the importance of informal engagement in …

1
Slow looking at the Van Gogh Museum 35:24

1y ago35:24

35:24

Today, in a special BONUS episode for Slow Art Day, I’m talking to Harma van Uffelen. Harma works as a curator of education for the Van Gogh Museum where they have just created a brand new slow looking programme and a slow looking experience for the Matthew Wong exhibition. Listen in to hear: How the programme started and why they chose the Matthew…

1
How to build rapport in museum and gallery programmes 18:47

1y ago18:47

18:47

In today's episode: what is rapport, why is it important and how can we build it in our museum and gallery programmes? I recently wrote an article for the Journal of Museum Education inspired by the coaching training I did in 2022. In ' Fostering a coaching mindset: applying coaching competencies to enhance museum educator practice and visitor expe…

1
Get the Picture: How to engage with art with Bianca Bosker 45:11

1y ago45:11

45:11

Today, Bianca Boska, an award-winning journalist and author of 'Get The Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See' discusses her new book and her journey into the art world with Claire Bown, host of The Art Engager podcast. Bianca immersed herself for 5 years into the New York art s…

1
The Art Bridge: Boosting Confidence through Visual Literacy 29:44

1y ago29:44

29:44

Host Claire Bown chats with Sofie Vermeiren, about The Art Bridge, a long-term collaboration between Museum Leuven and a local school, exploring how art can boost children's self-confidence and visual literacy. Episode links Episode webpage + transcript Sofie Vermeiren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofie-v-172093167/ More info about the …

1
Arts on prescription and museums: a conversation with Dr Tasha Golden 39:15

1y ago39:15

39:15

In this episode of the Art Engager podcast, host Claire Bown talks with Dr. Tasha Golden about the role arts and culture can play in public health, discussing Tasha's journey from singer-songwriter to public health scientist and the impact of social prescribing on healthcare. They delve into the ways museums are becoming active participants in comm…

1
See Listen Talk: Slow Looking Approaches for Vulnerable Audiences 27:46

1y ago27:46

27:46

Today I’m talking to Cecilie Monrad, Art Health Manager at Frederiksberg Museums in Copenhagen. We’re talking about See Listen Talk, a unique slow looking programme that helps young psychiatric service users in their recovery. See Listen Talk is a 15-week long programme with weekly meetings taking place outside of the museum's visiting hours. Parti…

1
Values-Engaged Gallery Teaching with Andrew Westover 42:48

1y ago42:48

42:48

Today I’m talking to Andrew Westover, Eleanor McDonald Storza Director of Education at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, about how values-engaged teaching can transform gallery experiences and foster deep connections. Andrew Westover leads the learning team at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, focusing on connecting people with art and ideas to i…

1
Bringing art to life in classrooms with Magic Lantern 31:03

1+ y ago31:03

31:03

Today I'm talking to Briony Brickell, the director of Magic Lantern, an educational charity delivering interactive art history workshops in schools across the UK. We chat about the organisation's work, its values, and the interactive art history sessions they conduct in primary schools for children aged 4 to 11. We explore Magic Lantern's unique cr…

1
How to engage participants in historic spaces through inquiry and facilitation 40:29

1+ y ago40:29

40:29

In today's episode, Dr. Stephanie Smith, Learning Manager at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) in Canberra, shares insights into MoAD's innovative approach to engaging visitors in historical spaces. Steph talks about MoAD's educational programmes, focusing on their inquiry-based approach and how they encourage an 'inquiry mindset' through a…

1
Engaging and connecting with young people in museums 23:02

1+ y ago23:02

23:02

In today's new episode I'm talking to researcher and practice assistant, Leonie Delaey, discussing how museums engage with young people through youth boards and organisations. Leonie come from a rich background in socio-cultural studies and Cultural Management. She currently serves as a Practice Assistant for the Master in Cultural Management progr…

1
Radical Rest: Beating Burnout in Museum Education with Kate Oliver 31:33

1+ y ago31:33

31:33

In today's episode , we explore the urgent need for rest in the cultural sector, specifically in museum education. My guest, educator and leader, Kate Oliver, a freelancer with extensive experience in museums and learning, recently co-founded the "Radical Rest Network" to address this critical issue. In today's conversation, Kate shares insights in…

1
Exploring The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker 37:48

1+ y ago37:48

37:48

Today I’m talking to Rob Walker, author of The Art of Noticing and its spinoff newsletter. He’s a columnist for Fast Company, a longtime contributor to The New York Times and many other publications. His latest book, co-edited with Joshua Glenn, is “Lost Objects: 50 Stories About The Things We Miss and Why They Matter.” In today’s conversation Rob …

1
Help! My group doesn't want to participate... 21:53

1+ y ago21:53

21:53

Today, I'm responding to a question I get asked a lot: How do you approach groups that are more used to a traditional approach and say they don't want to participate? How can we work with these expectations while delivering an engaging and educational museum experience? In this episode, I'm exploring some of the reasons behind resistance to partici…

1
Activating the Art Museum for Healthcare Professionals: 49:50

1+ y ago49:50

49:50

In today's episode, Claire Bown engages in conversation with the authors of a groundbreaking new book, "Activating the Art Museum: Designing Experiences for the Health Professions." Ruth Slavin, Corinne Zimmermann, and Ray Williams share their insights into the powerful intersection of art and healthcare. This book is the first-ever guide to creati…

1
Engagement for All: SEND in museums with Sam Bowen 49:41

1+ y ago49:41

49:41

This week we're exploring engagement for all with Sam Bowen, a passionate advocate for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) inclusion in museums. Sam shares her extensive experience in the museum sector and explains how her role as a mother to a child with SEND has fuelled her advocacy work. Highlights: Personal Journey: Sam discusses …

1
Getting Started with Inquiry-Based Learning in the Museum 24:56

1+ y ago24:56

24:56

Museum education is evolving, and so are the ways we engage our audiences. The days of traditional lecture-style tours are numbered, as more and more museums offer more dynamic, participant-driven, discussion-based experiences. Whether you're just starting out with inquiry-based learning in the museum or looking to enhance your existing approach, t…

1
Disrupting the art museum experience 53:00

1+ y ago53:00

53:00

Today, I'm joined by Rachel Nicholson (Director, Visitor Engagement & Research at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art) and Christine Murray (Head of Content at Art Processors) to discuss an art experience that revolutionises the way visitors interact with Impressionist art. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has collaborated with Art Processors to bring t…

1
Trauma-informed practice in museums with Jackie Armstrong 50:20

1+ y ago50:20

50:20

Today I’m talking to Jackie Armstrong, Associate Educator Visitor Research and Experience at MoMA in New York, about trauma-informed practice in museums. We’re exploring trauma-informed practice in museums, what it is, what it looks like and how museums can implement it into their culture and into their programming. We discuss MoMA's Artful Practic…

1
How to prepare for the unexpected 25:54

1+ y ago25:54

25:54

In today's episode I'll be exploring a topic that every museum educator can relate to: being prepared for the unexpected. When was the last time you were facilitating a programme and something unexpected came up? Maybe it was a spontaneous discussion sparked by an unexpected object or a group with unique accessibility needs. These moments remind us…

1
Heart for Art: Engaging minds, transforming lives with Gundy van Dijk 24:18

2y ago24:18

24:18

Today I'm exploring Heart for Art with Gundy van Dijk, Head of Education and Interpretation at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. Discover how this impactful outreach programme use Vincent van Gogh's life and art to engage children, foster their personal development, and ignite their passion for art. With over 20 years of experience in museum, art, …

1
What can museum educators learn from immersive art experiences? 18:35

2y ago18:35

18:35

Immersive art experiences have become quite the sensation in recent years. You've probably heard of them or even had the chance to attend one yourself. Immersive art experiences are driven by technology, engage multiple senses and transport you into a living artwork or a different world. Imagine stepping into a space surrounded by larger-than-life …

1
Claire's Favourites: Getting started with thinking routines in the museum 23:29

2y ago23:29

23:29

Over the past few weeks, I've been picking my favourite episodes from the podcast's archive. Today, I want to share some helpful advice about starting to use thinking routines in your art or object discussions. In September I’m going to start teaching my Visible Thinking in the Museum Online Beginners course or VTMO Beginners as it’s affectionately…

1
Claire's Favourites: 12 Benefits of Slow Looking 23:21

2y ago23:21

23:21

For the next few weeks I’m choosing my favourite episodes from the back catalogue of the podcast. With over 100 episodes to now choose from, I’m taking this opportunity to revisit some of the episodes I’ve most enjoyed putting together. This is a classic episode exploring the benefits of slow looking. Slow looking is simply the art of learning thro…

1
Claire's Favourites: How to Read the Room 16:31

2y ago16:31

16:31

For the next few weeks I’m choosing my favourite episodes from the back catalogue of the podcast. With over 100 episodes to now choose from, I’m taking this opportunity to revisit some of the episodes I’ve most enjoyed putting together. This week we're exploring the art of how to read the room. When it comes to working with groups in a museum or an…

1
Claire's Favourites: 4 Powerful Questions to Supercharge your Museum Programmes 22:59

2y ago22:59

22:59

For the next few weeks I’m choosing my favourite episodes from the back catalogue of the podcast. With over 100 episodes to now choose from, I’m taking this opportunity to revisit some of the episodes I’ve most enjoyed putting together. This week I’m sharing one of my absolute favourite episodes. I’m sharing 4 game changing questions that will real…

1
Claire's Favourites: How to Cultivate Curiosity on your Museum and Gallery Programmes 21:11

2y ago21:11

21:11

For the next few weeks I’m choosing my favourite episodes from the back catalogue of the podcast. With 100 episodes to now choose from, I’m taking this opportunity to revisit some of the episodes I’ve most enjoyed putting together. Today's choice is all about curiosity. This was a really popular episode back in February 2022 when it was first publi…

1
Creating Cultures of Thinking in Museums with Ron Ritchhart 46:52

2y ago46:52

46:52

In this special 100th episode of The Art Engager podcast, I'm chatting to educator, researcher, author, and speaker Dr Ron Ritchhart. Ron Ritchhart is an award-winning educational researcher, retired Senior Research Associate at Harvard's Project Zero and current Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His research is focused on developin…

1
Striking the right pace in museum programmes: less is more 23:26

2y ago23:26

23:26

Welcome to episode 99, where I'm diving into the concept of pacing in museum and gallery programmes, with a particular focus on the idea that "less is more." Pacing directly influences the participant experience. A well-paced programme ensures that your participants stay engaged, attentive and receptive throughout their journey. By carefully managi…

1
Radio Bart: Exploring Art with Blind Mediators 21:32

2y ago21:32

21:32

Welcome to a new episode of The Art Engager podcast, hosted by Claire Bown. In this week's edition, we dive into the extraordinary world of Radio Bart, a unique audience engagement programme at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Joining me are two guests from the museum's Audience Engagement team: An van Hertum and Bart van Peer. What is Rad…

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