If you’re running out of inspiration for activities to keep the little ones busy, then National Museums Liverpool have a great little cultural project for you to try at home.
My Home is My Museum is a project for four to 11 year-olds that will encourage children to learn about what museums and galleries do on a day-to-day basis; inspiring children to think about how to curate a display, featuring their own treasured ‘objects’ or works of art.
Children should put together a list of up to ten items or artistic creations that represent their life and the important people in it. They will need to write a short description about the objects or artworks, why they were chosen and the exhibition as a whole, before designing an eye-catching poster and uploading a ‘promotional’ video to social media saying why it would be a must-see exhibition!
A well-loved teddy bear, holiday souvenirs, pictures of family, toy car collections or special outfits are just a few of the things children might want to include in their collection of objects. Or, instead of objects, the exhibition could be a gallery of their own artworks showing off their creative flair. Children will not have to ‘stage’ their ‘exhibition’ in their promotional video, but may want to show a couple of items or artworks to help them talk about it and promote it to the world! They may create a solo project or get the whole family involved.
When National Museums Liverpool’s venues reopen, the best videos will be shortlisted and a few lucky children will get to have their exhibitions featured in a special digital exhibition online. They will also get to spend an afternoon with a top curator who will share all their tips about putting together a blockbuster exhibition, along with a behind the scenes tour of World Museum or the Walker Art Gallery.
Amalie Hughes from Toddler Fun Learning is mum to Josh, Poppy and Molly, who have helped kick the project off with the first video submission. Amalie said: “This was a really fun and thought provoking project to do with the kids. It sparked lots of great memories and lead to thoughtful conversations (some quite emotional) whilst we were discussing the importance of their objects and why they chose them.
“We love inspiring the kids to make their own films. I think the filming part of the project is a great way to boost their confidence when speaking in front of others. We look forward to seeing some of the other exhibitions and videos.”