We are looking for participants for Focus Groups to help us improve the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, to ensure that the work of the museum is relevant, engaging and respectful to all.
Each focus group will have 4 meetings across a year, including a short introductory session, where you will be able to meet the Focus Group leader and other participants, and visit the museum. You will be given an Annual Pass for a year, so you will be able to visit, free of charge, whenever you would like. Each group will have between 6 and 10 members, and by offering to join a focus group, you are committing to being able to attend meetings for 1 year. The proposed dates of the meetings can be found below.
Before filling out an application form, please read the descriptions of the 3 different focus groups and what they aim to achieve. Please be aware that filling in an application form does not guarantee a place on the focus group. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and throughout our selection process, we will be committed to having focus groups that are made up of people from diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities. Closing date for Applications is Friday 13 January 2023, and we will be in touch following this date to inform you whether you have been successful.
Equality and Diversity Focus Group
This focus group will be used to inform the Museum’s offer, displays, collections, programming and interpretation, as well as its policies and practices to ensure it reflects our diverse communities and their interests and views.
Dates:
Introduction and Welcome: Thursday 2 March 2023, 3pm
Thursday 27th April 2023, 5.30pm-7pm
Thursday 3rd August 2023, 5.30pm-7pm
Thursday 9th November 2023, 5.30pm-7pm
Access Focus Group
This focus group aims to work with people who have different access needs to ensure that the museum is accessible to as many people as possible.
Dates:
Introduction and Welcome: Tuesday 7 March 2023, 3pm
Monday 5 June 2023, 2pm-4pm
Monday 4 September 2023, 2pm-4pm
Monday 4 December 2023, 2pm-4pm
Visitor Experience Focus Group
This focus group is to gain feedback and advice on the general visitor experience of visiting the museum, gardens, café and shop, to ensure it is the best it can be.
Dates:
Introduction and Welcome: Tuesday 28 February 2023, 3pm
Tuesday 2 May 2023, 5.30pm-7.00pm
Tuesday 1 August 2023, 5.30pm-7.00pm
Tuesday 7 November 2023, 5.30pm-7.00pm
Click here to go to the Application Form*
*if you would like the application form in an alternative format, please contact the museum on 01202 128000 or email russellcotes@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Terms of Reference
Focus group members will be respectful of the views of others.
The Russell-Cotes welcomes the views of the Focus Groups and will endeavor to take them on board, however its decisions and activities will always have to take into consideration other priorities and limitations of staffing, budget and other resources, as well as the conservation of the museum and its collection.
The Russell-Cotes will always explain its decisions and seek dialogue and mutual agreement.
Members will be entitled to receive travel expenses and reasonable caring costs if requested.