Stanley Picker Gallery and Dorich House Museum run student focus group

Students views will be used to help inform an intitiative by Kingston University’s Stanley Picker Gallery and Dorich House Museum get more people to take part in cultural events.

Students have had the opportunity to get involved in a focus group which will discuss what makes a great cultural experience and a good creative day out.

Dorich House Museum curator, Fiona Fisher said: “The focus group is contributing to this wider process. We’ll be asking participants about their experience and perception of museums and galleries in general and about our two venues.

“We’ll also be asking their views on the type of exhibitions, events and activities that appeal to them. We want to hear from people who have little or no previous experience of visiting our two sites and will be including students, local residents and members of community organisations,” she continued.

Despite both museums being part of KU, many students are not yet familiar with them. Social work student Katie Ward said that she did not know much about the museums before the call for participation. 

“I’ve heard a little bit about them but not much actually. I think a cultural experience or creative day sounds like a really good idea, and I would definitely try to participate,” she said.  

Students who have registered to take part in the focus group can expect to be served tea and cake, and will receive a gift in return for their time. 

The focus group will be led by Sarah Chambers of Counterculture, a market insight company, and will meet at the Dorich House Museum in Kingston Vale on Wednesday 24 November from 1pm to 2:45pm.