Knowledge Exchange: Learning for sustainability

This Knowledge Exchange event explored how museums and heritage organisations can facilitate the education of young people on climate action.

In the recording below we hear from Charlotte Dwyer from Scotdec, Sam Walker and Ashab Ahmad from St. Andrews Heritage Museum & Garden, Kim Galligan and Cheryl McDermid from The McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, and Lucy Neville from Museums Galleries Scotland.

(00:00 – 22:36) Charlotte Dwyer, Director, Scotdec

Charlotte speaks about Scotdec’s work as a global citizenship centre which supports educators to build a socially just, sustainable, and equitable society. Charlotte shares useful resources for educators and also introduces the concept of ‘critical hope’ which aims to combat climate anxiety and encourage small, local actions.

(22:36 – 37:36) Sam Walker, Museum Manager/Curator and Ashab Ahmad, Project Outreach Officer, St. Andrews Heritage Museum & Garden

Sam introduces St Andrews Heritage Museum & Garden’s Green Creators project which was funded by the Wild Escape Fund. The project engaged younger audiences with nature and sustainability through various crafting activities and Earth Day events. Ashab discusses the challenges, successes, and lessons learned during the project.

(37:38 – 48:30) Kim Galligan, Learning & Engagement Assistant and Cheryl McDermid, Creative Learning Officer, The McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum

Kim and Cheryl discuss The McManus’ Creative Learning project, funded by the Wild Escapes Fund. The project involved engaging with local children and and aimed to inspire them to become change makers. Activities included tours of the Natural History Collection, working with ecologists, creating art installations, and contributing to a large school installation using recycled materials.

(48:30 – 58:27) Lucy Neville, Climate Officer, Museums Galleries Scotland

Lucy highlights the importance of climate action within Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy and discusses the support MGS offer the museum sector through advice guides, carbon literacy training, case studies, and funding. Lucy also highlights the Scottish Museums Climate Network, a free online space for people who work or volunteer in the sector with an interest in climate, sustainability, and biodiversity.