Case studies

Transforming stakeholder relationships to ensure project completion

Technicians was a close collaboration between Gatsby Charitable Foundation and the Science Museum. Gatsby was the primary funder, covering the majority of costs for the gallery’s development, public programming and post-opening operational costs. The challenges for the project included developing a mutual understanding between the two organisations of the ambitions for the project, their different organisational approaches and processes for project development, and their expectations of the extent of their working relationship. These tensions were dynamic and continued throughout the stages of the project.

Key areas of impact:

• brokered the relationship between the key project stakeholders (funder, museum and design team)
• brought clarity and mutual understanding of vision, aims, processes and approaches
• created channels of communication that enabled sticking points to be overcome and conflict avoided
• provided direction for creative development, project programme and budget
• took responsibility for key deliverables when strategically necessary
• critical friend to all stakeholders

Client
Gatsby Charitable Foundation

Project Duration
4.5 years

Rachel supported Gatsby from the project inception right through to opening. Her invaluable expertise enabled us, as a funder, to understand the entire creation process and to engage effectively and constructively.

Jenni French, Gatsby Charitable Foundation

Leading transformation and support for museum and heritage workers

Museums Showoff is a cabaret-style event where people share ideas about museums, libraries and archives. But is more than a fun and informative night out. It offers a unique opportunity for people who might not otherwise meet, to share, listen, and discuss ideas in a non-hierarchical, non-judgemental space. The shows have had a huge impact on performers and audience, ranging from boosting confidence and raising awareness of organisations and issues, to finding new jobs and forming new heritage-based companies.

I have also used the reach of Museums Showoff to respond to issues within the museums and heritage sector. This includes the Future of Museums conference, at which emerging museum professionals were able to voice their thoughts and ideas about the future of the sector and create a manifesto. The manifesto is published on the Museums Showoff website and has been downloaded over 700 times.

I became producer of Museums Showoff after its second show in June 2012, and director in 2015. My impact has been to:

• Recognise Museums Showoff’s potential for breaking through silos and exchanging knowledge in the museums, libraries and archives sector.
• Create an event that is non-hierarchical, where all participants are treated equally.
• Ensure each event has a range of participants across organisations, roles and stages of career.
• Work proactively to encourage participation by people from marginalised groups.
• Listen to the views being expressed in shows and elsewhere and organise events in response
• Professionalise the operations, including scheduling, staffing, ticketing and digital presence
• Develop a theory of change to take Museums Showoff forward

Project Duration
11 years (ongoing)

Museums Showoff is one of the most innovative and enjoyable initiatives in the museums and heritage sector.

Bernard Donoghue, director, The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions

Museums Showoff was the gateway to gaining the experience that has been essential to my career progression.

Joe Sullivan, Director, The Cartoon Museum, London

I often go away with two or three ideas or changed points of view that improve my practice.

Audience survey participant

Transforming public engagement by creating a vision and strategy for an exhibition space.

The Francis Crick Institute is a world-leading research institute that moved to a purpose-built site in 2015. The original building plans did not include gallery space, however a year before the Institute opened I was commissioned to advise on how it could incorporate exhibitions into its public engagement plans. The report I produced was fully adopted by the Institute’s Board of Trustees, and has become an integral part of its public engagement policy..

My impact

• Developed a vision for the space that aligned with the Institute’s aims
• Identified the point of difference for the exhibition space among its competitor organisations
• Created a master-plan for the space, highlighting opportunities and limitations
• Identified opportunities for strategic partnerships and potential sponsors
• Advised on operational planning including programming, budget, staffing and capital costs

Client
Francis Crick Institute

Project Duration
4 months

We worked with Rachel as an expert consultant to help us with our developing strategy for public engagement at the Francis Crick Institute. She produced an excellent, in depth report which has continued to be a valuable resource.

Alex Hartnell, Francis Crick Institute