Takeover Day is an annual day on which museums, galleries and arts organisations invite young people in and give them a meaningful role. Children make decisions and get involved in the life of the organisation. Whether you’re a 14th century castle, a theatre, an archaeological site or a historic ship, it’s a day to come up with new ideas and let young people contribute.

1. Understand young people

It gives an opportunity to try out new ways of working with children. Two thirds of venues say it has given them a better understanding of young people’s needs and interests.

2. Enthuse your team

It’s a great way to bring staff and departments together. Half of participating organisations say internal awareness and appreciation of their work with young people has grown as a result of Takeover Day. It brings excitement and enjoyment to colleagues who are not normally involved with children and teenagers.

3. Build your profile

It causes a thrill locally, from the large amounts of media coverage to the word on the community grapevine. Let us know what your plans are and we will help share them.

4. Work together with the community

It helps create and strengthen partnerships, and often forms new and unexpected ones. Takeover Day is perfect for working with schools, youth groups, Scouts and faith groups. Ask people in your community what they want from you and you’ll become a special place for them.

5. You can make it your own

Takeover Day is entirely flexible. You can work with one child or 100, seven year olds or twenty-one year olds. The programme for the day is up to you and your young people. Whether you’re a large or small attraction, staff or volunteer-run, open or closed, you choose how to get involved.

6. Make young people a part of your organisation

It can be a springboard for young people’s continued involvement, from setting up a youth panel to becoming volunteers. Children come back with family and friends to show what they’ve achieved. Others create resources that can be accessed by visitors in galleries – and global audiences through the internet. It has a wide and lasting impact.

7. Kids in Museums can help

We have loads of information and guidance available through our website to help make your day a big success, from press release templates to inspirational case studies. We have ‘We’re Taking Over’ materials for your young people. All the resources are free. We also have a team to help with particular issues, listen to your ideas or work with you to create a programme for the day. Take a look at our Takeover Day resources.

For more information visit our Takeover Day page.

Files for this Resource

Tags: , , ,

Categories:

Audience: ,