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Reinventing an icon: two perspectives

17.06.2023 | 09:00 - 10:15

Saturday 17 Jun 2023

Girolamo Cassar Hall

Girolamo Cassar Hall
Strategy & vision

This session brings together two world-renowned organisations who have reached major inflection points that they are using as catalysts for change, and to anchor their grand plans for the future. Each needs to address how to adapt for contemporary audiences and engage with the macro global problems of the 21st century, while remaining true to its origins and keeping its position as a trusted voice in society.

In 2027, Science Centre Singapore will be 50 years old. Part of the 'first wave' of science centres worldwide, it has become an icon in the Asia-Pacific region. But its buildings are at the end of their life and the Centre is relocating to a new site nearby.

Meanwhile in London, the Natural History Museum is looking ahead to its 150th anniversary in 2031. This famed research institution and iconic visitor attraction is reshaping its activities at a time of global climate emergency around a mission to create 'advocates for the planet'.

Despite differences of geography and intellectual territory, both organisations have very similar challenges and are facing them as peers and friends.

Outcomes: what will participants get from this session? Skills, knowledge, experience etc.

Participants will learn of the multiple challenges faced by major science education institutions when planning for the future - in areas such as engagement, audience development, operations, funding, and more. Panellists will explore the issues in planning for the long term, and how to prevent 'designing out' flexibility for generations yet to come.

Facilitator

Director Museum
Amsterdam & Leiden
Netherlands

Session speakers

Senior Director, Exhibitions Division
Science Centre Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Daniel is Senior Director, Exhibitions Division at the Science Centre Singapore. The Division is responsible for all the exhibition projects, many of the major events and competitions, the science shows and visitors’ interaction on the floor as well as some of the major special projects embarked on by the Centre. Daniel is a science centre veteran of 22 years and has personally experienced the development of Science Centre Singapore through half its history and he will be leading the experience design transformation for the new Science Centre.
Head of Global Engagement
London
United Kingdom
Brad has worked at the Natural History Museum since 2008, and he has seen multiple aspects of the institution in his time there - from leading teams of science educators and volunteers, to his current role managing global exhibitions, events, partnerships and diplomacy. As part of the senior team in NHM's Public Engagement group, Brad plays an instrumental role in shaping the Museum's plans for the future.
Director of Strategy
Event / CMS UK
London
United Kingdom
Jim is a Director at cultural planning and design agency Event, where he is currently working with Science Centre Singapore on their New Science Centre masterplan. He is the former Head of International Engagement at NHM and was part of the team that developed the Museum's previous masterplan in 2013.

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