Herbert Backstage Pass
| Cultural partnerships | |
Content partnerships — Digital image restorations — Joint events |
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What is it?
A Backstage Pass tour is an event aimed at sharing the expertise of real-world cultural institutions with our wiki-expertise. Principally this involves an organisation or interest group hosting a private tour for the benefit of local Wikimedians and in reciprocation we help improve the content on Wikipedia that is relevant to that organisation.
Simply put the day is in three parts:
- Private guided tour of 'backstage' areas of the museum with the experts.
- Lunch together (sponsored by Wikimedia UK)
- Sitting down with the curators individually/small groups to collaborate on topics discussed during the tour.
This event is being organised in collaboration with Wikimedia UK. The main contact person for this activity is Roger Bamkin (Victuallers). The work to improve Wikipedia's content related to the Herbert's collections and archives will continue long after this day's event. See the project page for full information about what needs doing and what's been achieved so far.
Advantages for the Museum
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Advantages for Wikimedia
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The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum have been bold enough to get involved with this project. They are keen to integrate their collections with communities, both online and in real life. Working with Wikimedia is an appropriate way of doing this. The museum will be bringing out some usually hidden artefacts and showing Wikipedians "their backstage areas".
When/where is it?
Saturday, October 1st, 2011 at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry.
The museum is located at Jordan Well, CV1 5QP.
Coffee and tea will be available from 10:00 in Learning Space 2. The event will be signposted, but staff at Reception will be on hand to offer assistance. Please bring your laptop.
The museum is located in Coventry city centre, about 15 minutes' walk from Coventry rail station. There is no parking available at the museum, but there are a number of pay and display car parks nearby. Blue Badge holders may park on Bayley Lane opposite the entrance to the Herbert.
Coventry City Council has produced a city centre map which details car parks, Park and Ride bus stops, the rail station and the bus station: City Centre Map. The Herbert is located in the Cathedral Quarter at the corner of Bayley Lane and Jordan Well. See also the Museum's getting here instructions for directions.
What we'll do
A brief introduction to the GLAM project (and the collaboration at The Herbert) and what it is and what has been achieved elsewhere and here so far. There will be a range of behind-the-scenes tours throughout the day and you'll have the opportunity to meet curatorial, conservation and History Centre staff. At the end of the day, everyone will have access to a internet-enabled meeting room where we can all work on-wiki after the tours.
Schedule
| Time | Activity | Room | Led by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 - 10:15 | Meet for tea and coffee | Learning Space 2 | |
| 10:15 - 10:45 | Welcome and Introduction | Learning Space 2 | Erin Hollis, The Herbert Roger Bamkin, Wikimedia UK |
| 10:45 - 11:30 | Option 1: Introduction to the Herbert and tour of galleries (max. 12 people) | Martin Roberts and Huw Jones | |
| Option 2: Introduction to the History Centre and visit to archives store (max. 8 people) | History Centre | Liz Doull | |
| Option 3: Collections in focus - archaeology (talk and handling session) (max. 15 people) | Learning Space 3 | Paul Thompson | |
| 11:45 - 12:30 | Option 1: Visit to Whitefriars off-site museum store (archaeology and social history) (max. 6 people) | Whitefriars store (off-site) | Paul Thompson |
| Option 2: Visit to on-site museum stores (costume, social history, natural history, paintings) (max. 10 people) | Behind the scenes tour | Martin Roberts and Huw Jones | |
| Option 3: Conservation, visit lab and meet conservators (max. 15 people) | Conservation Centre | Jane Pudsey and Martin Grahn | |
| 12:30 - 13:00 | Meet for Lunch - Curators and Wikipedians (Learning Space 2) | ||
| 13:00 - 13:30 | Why Wikimedia is GLAM(our)ous | Learning Space 2 | Mike Peel, Wikimedia UK |
| 13:30 - 14:00 | ARKive | Learning Space 2 | Andy Mabbett |
| 14:00 - 14:45 | Option 1: Visit to Whitefriars off site museum store (archaeology and social history) (max. 6 people) | Whitefriars store (off-site) | Paul Thompson |
| Option 2: Conservation, visit lab and meet conservators (max. 15 people) | Conservation Centre | Jane Pudsey and Martin Grahn | |
| Option 3: Visit to on-site museum stores (costume, social history, natural history, paintings) (max. 10 people) | Behind the scenes tour | Martin Roberts and Huw Jones | |
| 15:00 - 15:45 | Option 1: Introduction to the History Centre and visit to archives store (max. 8 people) | History Centre | Liz Doull |
| Option 2: Collections in focus - ribbons and silk pictures | Talk, Learning Space 2 | Huw Jones | |
| Option 3: Collections in focus - highlights of the visual arts collection (max. 10 people) | Behind the scenes tour | Martin Roberts | |
| 15:45 - 16:00 | Conclusion/Thanks | Learning Space 2 | TBA |
| 16:00 - 17:30 | Editing/networking session | Learning Space 2 | All |
| 17:30 onwards | End and Pub | The Flying Standard | All invited |
Tour Details
- Introduction to the Herbert and gallery tour: This option includes a guided tour of the galleries and a general introduction to the Herbert, its collections and displays. The tour will visit the History Galleries, Peace and Reconciliation, Discover Godiva, Elements (natural history), Art Since 1900, Old Masters, Gallery 4 (which is now showing Stitch in Time: A Story of Patchwork). We'll also visit the medieval cellar—an area not normally open to the public.
- Onsite stores: View our collections of social history, costume and natural history. This tour will also visit our paintings store.
- Off site store: Visit Whitefriars, our off-site store, to find out more about our social history and archaeology collections. Whitefriars is a 15th century friary which may appeal to anyone with an interest in archaeology or medieval history. Whitefriars is about 10 minutes' walk from the Herbert; please be aware that this location has stairs and uneven surfaces. There is no lift access.
- Introduction to the History Centre: A member of staff will give an introduction to the resources and collections of the History Centre. This will also include a short tour of the archives store.
- Conservation: Join Martin and Jane for an introduction to the important work of the Conservation Team including a discussion about techniques and processes. There will be an opportunity to visit the lab to see current conservation projects.
- Collections in focus, archaeology: Talk to Paul, one of our Keepers of Collections, about our archaeology collection. View some objects not normally on display and learn more about the archaeology of Bayley Lane (where the Herbert is located) and surrounding areas.
- Collections in focus, ribbons: Talk to Huw, one of our Keepers of Collections, about the Herbert's important collection of silk ribbons and silk pictures and learn more about the history of this industry and its significance to Coventry.
- Collections in focus, visual arts: Tour the galleries with Martin and learn more about the highlights of the Herbert's visual arts collection. There may also be an opportunity to visit the paintings store.
Who (Wikimedians)
First come, first served! In the event that there is an oversubscription, early contributors and members of Wikimedia UK will be given preference. Please bring your laptop and we'll hang out during the second part of the day to collaborate.
The curators will "pitch" objects that are their personal favourites and we can work with them to start articles – following assessment of "notability"
Other types of content that could be improved:
- Creating new articles or improving existing articles about specific artefacts in the museum's collection.
- Using photographs and information about museum objects and archives to improve related topics.
- Suggesting text that the Herbert owns which could be incorporated into Wikipedia subject to appropriate copyright licensing.
- The museum's own article
Accessibility
The Herbert is fully wheelchair accessible and there is lift access to every floor. Accessible toilets are available on both the ground and first floors.
Unfortunately, Whitefriars off-site store is not fully accessible and cannot accommodate wheelchairs or pushchairs.
If you have an queries about accessibility, please contact erin.hollis[at]theherbert.org.
Sign Up
If you don't sign up we won't know you're coming! Please make sure that we can contact you if needs be - enable "email user" in your user settings if you are logged in. If you have any special dietary requirements or mobility issues, please state them when you sign up. Please also tell us the number in your party.
If you do not want to list your name publicly, please contact Roger Bamkin (Victuallers) at roger.bamkin
wikimedia.org.uk
- Attending
- Chase me ladies, I'm the Cavalry 16:58, 5 August 2011 (UTC)
- Dominic Russell
- Mike Peel 19:50, 5 August 2011 (UTC)
- +1 Mum's taxi 12:59, 31 August 2011 (UTC)
- Reinhard Wentz, for Museum, Tours, and WP editing. Sleuth21 13:20, 31 August 2011 (UTC)
- Andy Mabbett (User:Pigsonthewing) (Outreach ambassador to ARKive)
RexxS 15:41, 1 September 2011 (UTC)Apologies, other stuff got in the way. RexxS 09:14, 1 October 2011 (UTC)- Myself plus 3 from Cardiff would like to attend (if that's not going to overflow your quota). Thanks for the message on my talk page, Cheers Edward Lane :) 18:07, 4 September 2011 (UTC) - hmm just realised I'd not mentioned that one is a vegetarian, hope that's no bother Edward Lane :) 09:08, 27 September 2011 (UTC)
- Mooncow 01:52, 6 September 2011 (UTC)
- Geni 20:21, 7 September 2011 (UTC)
- User:Tom Pippens 21:10, 9 September 2011 (UTC)
- JiMternet and Shastrix 14:22, 17 September 2011 (UTC)
- 2 representatives from The Earlsdon Society and the Earlsdon Research Group
Don't know what else I'll be doing that day, but if I can make it I will. If nothing else, I'll join you for a pint afterwards. Definitely coming. :) HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 15:28, 26 August 2011 (UTC)- Victuallers 15:40, 25 September 2011 (UTC) Obviously - and one interesting guest
- Coming with 1 guest after noon due to travel. cmɢʟee☺τaʟκ
- Marek69 21:33, 30 September 2011 (UTC)
- Interested in attending but not confirmed
- I hope to be free around this time but can't guarantee it. Nev1 15:52, 31 August 2011 (UTC)
- Should be able to attend. Hchc2009 81.158.137.90 18:37, 3 September 2011 (UTC)
- Will attend if not working or at uni. Tom walker 15:42 5 September 2011 (UTC)
- Will come if I'm not working. StephenBuxton 20:34, 6 September 2011 (UTC)
- I possibly should be able to attend. Olga Baird
- Love to come; will confirm closer to the date. --Mintchocicecream 19:47, 14 September 2011 (UTC)
- I hope to be able to come for at least some of the day. -- Nicholas Jackson 15:19, 24 September 2011 (UTC)#
- Interested but unable to come; please inform me of future events
- Unfortunately I'm working that day, but if things get cancelled I'd love to come. Please inform me of future events. TammyMoet2
Parking
The museum is located in Coventry city centre, about 15 minutes' walk from Coventry rail station. There is no parking available at the museum, but there are a number of pay and display car parks nearby. Blue Badge holders may park on Bayley Lane opposite the entrance to the Herbert.
Coventry City Council has produced a city centre map which details car parks, Park and Ride bus stops, the rail station and the bus station: City Centre Map. The Herbert is located in the Cathedral Quarter at the corner of Bayley Lane and Jordan Well. See also the Museum's getting here instructions for directions.
I just checked on the parking by phoning Coventry Visitor Information Centre (024 7622 5616) and was told you can get a whole day rate quite cheaply on a Saturday, and also that many of the 'Short stay' car parks that are reserved during the week are open for public use on week-ends. The car park at White Street was recommended for anyone coming from the M6.
- UPDATE
The nearby car park on Lower Ford street has a special, cheap Saturday tariff of 50p for up to two hours and £1.00 beyond that.
Any Questions? Add your own.
- Do I have to register to attend, or can I just arrive on the day?
- You do not have to register, but preference will be given to those who do by signing up on this page.
- Is there a minimum number of Wikipedia edits I have to have made to be allowed to attend?
- Of course not. All are welcome - even if you've never edited Wikipedia before. Being "a Wikipedian" is a self-defined thing, so if you call yourself a Wikipedian (or would like to become one) then come along.
- Do I have to be a member of Wikimedia UK?
- No, this is open to all. However if you would like to join Wikimedia UK and get involved in other projects like this or start your own, you can do so here
- If I come and take the tour, will I be obliged to make Wikipedia contributions about Herbert Art Gallery and Museum topics?
- No. As volunteers, there is no obligation to do anything. Of course, it is encouraged for you to stay after the tours to share your wiki-expertise with the interested curators (that's the quid pro quo of this free event after all) but you are under no obligation to do so. Equally, it is hoped that you'll be inspired to write about some of the things/ideas you've seen for Wikipedia and maybe collaborate with the curators doing so, but you don't have to.
- Can I bring my camera?
- Yes
- What about lunch?
- A free lunch will be provided in the museum.
- How much wiki-expertise/knowledge of Wikimedia policies and procedures will participants be expected to possess?
- None - in fact we are also inviting keen amateur historians in order that we can encourage a new relationship between local historians, museums and Wikipedia.
- Do you have to own/bring a laptop?
- It will certainly help if you are attending the editing session after 4 o'clock - there will probably be one or two computers for our use, but internet will be available to laptops.
- It is not stated how many places there are. Will we receive invitations individually after the attendees are chosen?
- No, the museum will place a cap on the number of attendees and that means places have been limited.
- There will be no other official invitation other than the information at this page. You can assume that if this page has not been deleted then just turn up on the day.
- Are there age requirements to attend this event?
- There is no minimum (or maximum) age limit - as long as you're interested and have permission from the relevant parent.
- Is there a carpark?
- See Herbert Backstage Pass#Parking - the short answer is that there is no 'dedicated' parking, but the museum is close to a fair few public car parks.
- Are there bike racks?
- According to the City Council's website at http://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/780/cycle_storage, yes. They're located "at the entrance of the building, and also further up the road towards the Cathedral. There are also hoops located either side of Jordan Well, which is located between Earl Street and Gosford Street." It is a safe area to leave your bike, as it is opposite the cathedral and the university, which are both very touristy and frequented by cyclists.
Resources
An A4 poster/handout advertising the event
Metadata
(Emits hCalendar microformat)
- Herbert Backstage Pass
- Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Jordan Well, Coventry - 52.407159, -1.506098
- 20111001T1000+01:00-20111001T1730+01:00
Past example
Backstage Pass at Derby Museums - Derby Backstage Pass.
Results of the day
- New articles
- Expanded articles
- Photos