The Visitor Studies Group

Summer School 2010 - Call for Proposals
The Visitor Studies Group is holding its 2010 Summer School in Techniquest, Cardiff on 16 - 17 September, under the theme 'Evaluating Visitor Studies: Frameworks in Practice'. The Summer School is an opportunity to learn about and practice new skills and techniques for all elements of Visitor Studies. The organising committee are now accepting session proposals for the Summer School 2010.

In recent years there has been a growth in theoretical frameworks such as the Generic Learning Outcome framework and more recently the Generic Social Outcomes. Other frameworks include Hear by Right, promoted by the National Youth Agency and adopted by the Stories of The World Cultural Olympiad project for the UK-wide programme of cultural activities working with young people. But how do those involved in Visitors Studies integrate these frameworks into their daily practice? Are frameworks useful tools when examining a single case, across an organisation or across a whole sector? Are frameworks best used when undertaking formative research, when undertaking meta-studies or for informing participatory research?

The committee welcomes session proposals which examine the use of frameworks in any Visitor Studies situation. Please note that we aim to have approximately 20 delegates per session to encourage the use of practical work and the committee will favour proposals that clearly demonstrate an opportunity for delegates to experience practical activities. Do note that the venue will be open for business as usual and as such live activities with visitors are encouraged. If you've got something to share, then let us know. We welcome input from small and large institutions and freelancers. Even if you don't think you've got enough for a full session, get in touch and we'll try to link you with relevant colleagues.

Please submit your proposal to Helen Featherstone by March 15 2010. In your proposal please include:
- 300 word (max) summary of the session,
 - Format (eg workshop, lecture, panel discussion)
- Length of session (1 or 1.5 hour),
- Names, titles and 100 word biographies of any speakers identified at the time of submission
- Relevant web links

For further information, please contact us.

AGM Conference 2010
There are still places available on our AGM Conference 'Audience Segmentation: Identifying and understanding your visitors' on Friday 29 January at the Sackler Centre, V&A. Don't miss your chance to book. For details visit http://www.visitors.org.uk/node/363