Louise Campion

Louise Campion is Learning and Engagement

Officer at the Holburne Museum and has been involved in Arts Education for the last 20 years. Having worked as an art teacher and delivered 'arts for health' programmes within schools, she is passionate about supporting creativity and learning.

I live on the northeast side of Bath, on what I call ‘the outer rim’ (for Star War fans!) on the edge of Larkhall and with a wonderful view of Solsbury Hill. I can walk out of the front door straight into the surrounding countryside but still be close enough to the village to pop down to the shops.

I have lived in Bath for 28 years. I was brought up near Glastonbury, went to school in Wells and then Strode College, so I’m a real west country girl. I liked the alternative, creative energy in Bath and the ancient history of Aquae Sulis, the Vale of Avalon and the Somerset levels… and the cider!

The Holburne Museum offers an awardwinning learning and engagement programme of creative workshops, large-scale events, summer camps, free museum trails, art classes and regular school group visits.

The aim of the programme is to reach audiences who might not otherwise have the chance to engage with art, because of economic or other barriers. Access to creative activities and art for young people has become more challenging in recent years and the museum is determined to continue to provide these opportunities all year round.

‘Space To Make’ is a self-led creative area on the ground floor of the Holburne. The space encourages families to enjoy free creative activities, inspired by the current exhibitions. The activities are carefully designed and are outside the ‘paywall’ of the museum so anyone can participate.

The Holburne can only deliver this programme through the support of donors and Trusts and Foundations. If you would like to offer support, please contact the Holburne or visit: holburne.org/support-us

I studied English and History and qualified as a secondary school art teacher, teaching and then working on several projects as part of B&NES School Improvement Team. I became increasingly interested in PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic curriculum) and the pastoral side of education. Much of my work in schools and the community has focused on approaching conversations around mental health, relationships and drugs and alcohol through creative activities. Starting from ‘hands-on’ making is a great way to engage people and have honest conversations.

I was brought up in a creative village with great female role models. My grandmother was an artist and embroiderer, and my mum is a skilled seamstress and maker. My childhood experiences of putting on plays, creating sculptures and being encouraged to realise ambitious, creative ideas empowered and excited me. I think every child (and adult) should have the opportunity to see how it feels to express themselves through art, music or movement. The experience can be profound, connecting us to other people through shared understanding and lived experience.

As Learning and Engagement Lead at the Holburne it has been a privilege getting to know the collection and the stories behind the objects. The Holburne is unique in Bath as a museum with a historical collection and an exciting arts venue with changing exhibitions. For an arts-based practitioner like me this combination provides so many exciting possibilities –there’s always something new and inspiring happening!

Managing our social-prescribing programme ‘Pathways to Wellbeing’ has been a highlight of my role. I have witnessed the power of creativity to promote mental health and wellbeing first hand. I’m very proud of our team and the way we’ve built inspiring, safe, calm and non-judgmental spaces for people from all walks of life.

I’m passionate about inclusivity and am aware that there are plenty of barriers which stop people from visiting museums and art galleries. We’re consulting with and involving people more than ever so our programming is more responsive. For example in the last year we’ve developed a Partner Schools programme, working with six local schools to reach children (and their families) who might never have visited a museum. Our partners enjoy free school workshops and admission during school holidays, plus access to our new ‘Museumin-a-box’ loans objects, full of exciting handling objects.

I spent some time as a secondary school teacher. From this I learnt that children can spot your weaknesses and fears within five minutes of meeting you! And that the attention, care and support that individual teachers give can make a difference to a child’s life. Also that schools can provide security, safety and a sense of normality for children who do not experience these things at home.

The countryside is never far away when you live in Bath. Apart from long walks chatting with friends, I’ve cycled the two tunnels, gone wild swimming and visited friends’ allotments to admire their home-grown veg!

My plans for the year ahead are to develop the Holburne’s offer for our neurodiverse visitors so that we have more in place to support access to and enjoyment of the collection, building and activities. ■

Pathways to Wellbeing: holburne.org/learning/communityengagement/pathways-to-wellbeing/