Our Approach
Learning is at the heart of The McManus Galleries and we are committed to providing wide-reaching cultural experiences through the development of Creative Learning programmes that encourage a specific focus for children, young people and lifelong learners. We apply a creative and tailored approach that accepts that different styles of learning exist, and believe that engagement with a creative process can help develop new perspectives, stimulate imagination and extend ideas.

What We Do
Our active and innovative programmes explore the City's Art and Heritage, providing access to a diverse and fascinating collection of objects, artworks and buildings. Activities include artist-led workshops, community and schools projects and events, and are developed to appeal to participants of all ages and abilities. To ensure that our programmes meet the needs of communities in Dundee, much of our work is developed in partnership with other Council Departments, Learning Teams and cultural agencies.

Creative Learning Team
Our enthusiastic and experienced team includes professional educators, artists and creative specialists. Support is also given from The McManus curatorial, technical and visitor assistant teams, enabling the full potential of the museum's collections to be utilised throughout the programme.

Creative Connections 2006 – 2008
During its closure, the museum has continued to provide access to its collections through the 'Creative Connections' outreach programme. Over a two-year period, children, young people and adult learners from schools, youth projects and community centres have taken part in arts & heritage activities, projects and events across the City. Projects have included:

• 'What is a Museum' and 'Sidlaw Dragon' at Sidlaw View Primary School
• 'Landscapes and Lives' at Douglas Community Centre
• 'Local Hero!' projects at St Fergus, Brackens, Ardler and Glebelands Primary Schools
• 'Designs for Life' at Claypotts Castle Primary School, 16 - 24 Adult Literacies Project, Dundee Healthy Living Initiative and the Mackinnon Centre
• 'Our city' at Menzieshill High School, CHOICE and Lochee Clubhouse
• 'New Landscapes' at Charleston Community Centre

Creative Connections 2007 – 2008

Our City
'Our City' projects explore the art, heritage, environment and architecture of Dundee through the eyes of young people living here. Tailored to different participant groups each project works with the interests and experiences of young people to encourage creativity and raise awareness of issues of citizenship, community and diversity.

In 2008, young people from Menzieshill High School, CHOICE Project and Lochee Clubhouse explored aspects of their own local environment through photography, sound recording, drawing, ceramics and creative writing leading to the creation of permanent artworks.

New Landscapes
How do we see the world around us?

Children, young people and adults from the Charleston area looked at their environment in lots of new ways during the 'New Landscapes' project. From sources such as the industrial history of the area to wildlife that would have roamed where streets now exist, residents made creative responses to create 'new landscapes'.

During the project, young people used digital photography, sound recording and clay printing to show us a snapshot of their landscape how they see it.

The group explored the area by taking photographs of everything around them from the contents of bins to the changing skies.

Children explored the bugs and beasties of the area through costume and drama and gradually turned into small, colourful mini beasts of their own design...

The 'New Landscapes' project and exhibition took place in Charleston Community Centre in summer 2008.

Local Hero!

James Guthrie Orchar
Local Hero! is a creative learning programme for children that aims to raise awareness and encourage exploration of Dundee's stories, buildings and collections and the role they play in shaping how the city sees and defines itself today.

In autumn 2008, Primary 5/6 pupils from Glebelands Primary School explored the story of James Guthrie Orchar - a prominent Dundee inventor, engineer and entrepreneur. Remembered as a passionate patron of the Arts, he was responsible for the design of the Victoria Galleries which opened in 1889 at the Albert Institute (now the McManus). On his death he bequeathed his huge collection of Victorian Art to the people of Dundee to be enjoyed to this day.

Children explored Victorian life and art through a programme of heritage, visual art and drama workshops, creating their own exciting artworks and organising a grand exhibition at Baxter Park Pavilion.

What people said about Creative Connections .....

"Children were well supported throughout the workshops without having their creativity or independence compromised and it meant they took real ownership of the work" - Primary School Teacher

"I've never been involved in an arts project before and I must admit it was different to what I expected - I've really enjoyed it. No phone ringing, no-one at the door, it's been me time" - Adult Learner

"The project has been a tremendous success as a result of the way local people have got involved. The approachability of the Creative Learning Team has swept away the feeling that cultural activities were 'for other people, not us'. Art has now become an important part of Centre life - thank you for helping us do this!" - Community Education Worker

New for 2009/10

Welcome Home!
From August to October, the Creative Learning Team will be working with six local primary schools on a fantastic multi-arts performance project that celebrates the return of collection objects and artworks to the museum. The project will also be delivered in partnership with Dundee Rep. Watch this space and local press for details of a very special city centre event!.....

The McManus Redevelopment Project
In preparation for the re-opening of the museum, Creative Learning has been developing a brand new range of learning programmes and resources for schools and community groups. We are also delighted to launch our specially designed Creative Learning studio and study spaces, situated on the first floor of the building.

As the main Creative Learning space, the studio is dedicated to the development of 'hands-on' creative activity, providing opportunities for visitors to participate in facilitated programmes that include artist-led workshops, projects and cultural events. This roomy, light, south-facing space can accommodate large school or community groups, but can provide as equally an inspirational space for smaller groups and is suitable for a wide range of learning activities.

Offering opportunities for both self-directed and facilitated learning, the study space aims to give visitors an intimate and reflective experience of the McManus collections. It will house a unique range of learning resources, provide IT and internet access. The study space will also support a programme of seminars, talks, and cultural networking events.

For further details about Creative Learning, please contact
Christine Millar, Senior Creative Learning Officer on (01382) 432475 or
email christine.millar@dundeecity.gov.uk