Culture for All: Visitor Experience Skills Bootcamp

Structure

Content

Programme Overview

Throughout the programme, learners will engage with a series of interconnected themes designed to develop their skills in cultural engagement, event delivery, and inclusive audience experience. Content is delivered through workshops, practical exercises, case studies, and realworld activities.

Brand Ambassadorship

Learners will examine how arts and cultural events contribute to community wellbeing and the local economy. This theme includes understanding the role of cultural practitioners as brand ambassadors for their organisation and city, with links to regional welcome strategies.

Empowering Teams and Inclusive Service Delivery

This module focuses on developing practical leadership skills, supporting staff and volunteers, and delivering inclusive customer experiences. Activities include roleplay, exploring unconscious bias, and practicing communication techniques that foster welcoming, equitable environments.

Managing Conflict

Participants will gain practical tools for managing difficult conversations, de-escalation techniques, and explore safeguarding practices and complaint handling, particularly within the context of the night-time economy. We'll also cover how to use analytics to measure success, reduce churn, and increase customer lifetime value.

Accessible Experience Design & Inclusive Practice

You'll investigate how to design exhibitions and events that are accessible to all, with a focus on inclusive interpretation, wayfinding for diverse audiences, and considerations for non-visible impairments. You will undertake an Accessibility Audit and visit a venue to assess its accessibility in practice, gaining hands-on experience in identifying barriers and opportunities for improvement.

Fundraising & Evaluation

This theme covers the foundations of charitable governance, fundraising streams, budget creation, and how to develop a compelling case for support, alongside methods for monitoring and evaluating impact using new technologies

Safeguarding & Supporting Vulnerable Audiences

Participants will receive training on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, supporting socially prescribed activities, and engaging elderly, isolated, or anxious visitors with trauma-aware approaches and specialist care.

Event Management for Cultural Impact

You will discover how to design events that drive engagement and footfall, develop strategies and budgets, explore case studies from the British Art Show, and begin planning a concept for a sample event.

Cultural Intelligence & Interpretation for Local and International Visitors

This module develops cultural expectation awareness and intercultural communication skills, training learners to guide diverse audiences in interpreting collections and exhibitions while expanding market reach through inclusive practices.

Marketing & Promotion

You'll delve into marketing strategies tailored to arts events, develop digital and social media campaigns, and create promotional materials that resonate with local and international audiences.

Reflections, evaluation, and next steps

You'll reflect on your learning journey, revisit your goals, and explore how to continue applying what you've learned beyond the Skills Bootcamp. The group will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a lived experience design panel, receive feedback, and celebrate your achievements with your peers and tutors.