Our work in this vertical focuses on creating a sense of belonging and fostering meaningful relationships between cultural organisations and the communities they serve. By encouraging active participation and shared decision-making, we help cultural organisations evolve and meet the changing needs of their audiences, ensuring relevance and sustainable growth. The following initiatives highlight some of the many ways community engagement can create impactful and lasting relationships.
Conceptualised by the Indian Museum Experience Museum and supported by the British Council (2021-2023), YAB is a pioneering initiative in the Indian museum sector that integrates the next generation as changemakers in cultural organisations.
We have been successfully managing the YAB since its inception in 2021, and are now on its fourth cohort (2024-2025).
Develop frameworks that ensure inclusivity and diversity, managing open calls, reviewing applications, and conducting in-depth interviews to select a dynamic cohort.
Design programming that empowers youth through hands-on experiences in conducting surveys and audits, event planning and execution, and social media management, offering practical skills and leadership opportunities.
Facilitate skill development workshops tailored to the cohort’s needs, sparking curiosity and nurturing a deeper connection to arts and culture.
Provide continuous mentorship through one-on-one interactions and group discussions, guiding YAB members in refining ideas and delivering impactful projects.
Compile comprehensive documentation and manage data efficiently, sustaining momentum and impact until the end of the term.
In 2017, the Indian Music Experience Museum set out to create and sustain a vibrant volunteer community to enhance visitor experiences through guided tours. Since then, over 150 trained volunteers have supported the museum in scaling its projects, enhancing its brand, and deepening community engagement.
For seven years (2017-2023), we managed and nurtured the programme, shaping its growth and development, before handing it over to the museum for in-house management.
Thoughtfully evaluated and recruited diverse groups of volunteers, from senior citizens to young adults and working professionals.
Provided comprehensive training to volunteers, supported by two detailed handbooks, covering various aspects of the museum and equipping them to conduct engaging and informed guided tours.
Complementing the above, provided holistic training on storytelling, body language, boundaries and biases, accessibility and inclusion, and POSH guidelines.
Facilitated coordination, monitored performance, and provided continuous support to ensure volunteer effectiveness.
Compiled detailed reports to track progress, analyse outcomes, and inform strategic decisions.
For its annual Inclusion Conference, the Museum of Art & Photography sought facilitators for the Shared Experiences session—an interactive activity promoting dialogue and solutions to enhance inclusivity in cultural organisations.
As facilitators of this crucial dialogue, we worked to create a structured, empathetic, and impactful experience.
Prepared a facilitation framework, including tailored questions to guide discussions and capture diverse perspectives.
Moderated discussions to encourage active participation, maintain focus, and ensure all viewpoints were acknowledged.
Provided detailed records of the sessions, capturing insights, proposed solutions, and key takeaways.