MHH is launching a new series of indepth workshops to support heritage professionals and other passionate community members to take on some really Big Scary Projects. We invited our chair, Dan Cottam, to tell us more.
It’s remarkable to me, just how many great things the Highland heritage sector has achieved in the last decade. Despite dwindling funding pots, despite Covid, despite a weakened economy, Highland museums and heritage organisations have continued to thrive. There have been major renovation projects, old buildings are being repurposed, ambitious, high-profile exhibitions and effective, far reaching community projects have been undertaken.
There is a wealth of knowledge and skills that have been learned along the way from a group of very agile and courageous workers supported by a largely volunteer leadership and work force. Quite incredible when you think about it.
Having a network like MHH to rely on for support is of huge benefit to people who take on such big scary projects. Usually ambitious and far-reaching projects come with a very steep learning curve for those that are leading them, so a safe place to be able to ask questions and learn from other people who have been through similar processes can be crucial to success. A lot of great collaborations have grown out of our heritage cafes and it is always notable just how skillful, collegiate and adept the people in our sector are.
Some of these smart people are on the MHH board, thankfully for me, as chair, because it means when you set these people to think about a problem, they really come up with the goods. Our ongoing challenge at MHH HQ is to keep financing the organisation to maintain the capacity needed to continue delivering projects and facilitating the joined up work that goes on around the Highlands.
To meet this challenge, inspiration has struck on using our strengths as a network.
So we bring you: BIG SCARY PROJECTS!
A mash up of talents, skills and knowledge sharing from the people who have been there already; the people who have already fallen into pitfalls, wished they hadn’t started such an ambitious project, but then pulled up their socks and sent several hundred emails towards an ultimate success.
We are bringing these people together for a limited series of very practical digital workshops to share their experiences with you
(for a small fee – your contribution that supports MHH to stay afloat).
The first one approaches fast ..
What to do with historic churches 21st January – With Onie Tebbitt, Community Ownership Support Service Advisor at Development Trusts Association Scotland and case studies from Strathnaver Museum and Ullapool Museum. The session will feature practical advice and insights to secure these architectural and cultural treasures. – Book here.
Then on February 18th we’ll be looking at Big Scary Loans.
Myself and Vanessa from the West Highland Museum will share our experiences of borrowing (and loaning out) artwork and objects from large institutions and private collections.
In March expect a symposium with a panel full of people who have taken on Big Scary Capital Projects.
Amazingly, everyone involved is giving up their time and sharing their knowledge voluntarily to support MHH’ ongoing sustainability.
You too can support our initiative by getting yourself to a workshop and getting other people there too.
Please share this great opportunity with your own networks.
