Line Manager Name: Dr Philip Long
Job Title: Deputy Curator (Education and Research)
Pathways Programme: Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage
Organisation Summary:
The Sid Vale Association (SVA) is a volunteer run charitable trust that is focused on safeguarding and promoting the heritage of the Sid Valley. SVA volunteers manage and operate Sidmouth Museum which is very popular and well-reviewed by tourist and resident visitors. The museum holds important collections and archives. These include an award-winning geological collection, valuable pieces of (Honiton) lace and materials relating to Sidmouth’s significant historical connections with royalty. There are also materials relating to literary figures and texts and, leading scientists who were resident in the town.
The museum is staffed by a team of approximately 15 volunteers. A small team of volunteers’ documents and conserves archives ‘behind the scenes’. There is a friendly and welcoming working culture and commitment to learning, research and communication. The SVA line manager, Dr Philip Long is a retired academic with more than 30 years experience working in the field of Tourism and its relationships with arts, culture and heritage. He continues to work with academic, students and practitioners in these fields.
How did hosting an intern via the Professional Pathways programme benefit you and your organisation?
Our Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage student provided insightful, imaginative and practicable ideas on social media marketing and other mechanisms to better promote Sidmouth museum’s exhibitions, collections and publications. We have agreed to contact the student in the autumn with a detailed response to her proposals. Her ongoing interest in the work of the museum is gratifying and reflects well on her professional manner.
Given the Professional Pathways internship is 35 hours in total, how would you recommend ensuring both you and your intern gain as much as possible from the experience?
Our student demonstrated her interest and commitment through visiting the museum before the internship commenced. This was invaluable in familiarising herself with the organisation and to meet key stakeholders. This also allowed for the brief to be clarified and reasonable expectations set. A combination of remote working and several visits worked very well for all concerned.
Why would you recommend hosting an intern via Professional Pathways?
In our experience, a Professional Pathways student can apply knowledge and critical ideas drawn from their studies to inform management practice. This is an exemplar of intergenerational learning and knowledge exchange at its best.