The Visitor Studies Group

Background
With a strong passion for evaluation as a strategic tool, in particular its role in organisational-  and audience development, and as a means of strengthening partnerships and audience participation in decision making, I have been active in the field of visitor studies since 2001.  I hold a Masters degree in Education and Social Sciences Research (MRes) and a BSc in Science Communication and Policy. Between 2003 and 2005 I was the Evaluation and Research Officer for the London Museums Hub and in 2005 I became a freelance Evaluation consultant. I was commissioned by some of Londons major Cultural, Arts and Heritage organisations,  and in 2006, I was elected into the VSG committee. I also worked internationally for childrens rights organisations, in places like Sri lanka, India and South Africa, when not in London. In 2007, I moved to Sweden, where I have had the role as Strategic Programme Manager for the Department of Culture in Malm.  One of the most important areas of this work has been to introduce visitor studies as an essential strategic tool for arts and cultural organisations in the 21st century.  I have continued some of my freelance commitments in London whilst in post in Sweden.

What I would bring to the role of chair
Drawing on my depth knowledge of visitor studies and thorough understanding of the importance of skills sharing and networking in the sector, as well as my previous experience of being part of the VSG committee and VSG event organising; my relationship with VSGs members and my recent experience of launching visitor studies in another European country, I hope to bring commitment, expertise, an international network and most importantly, a great deal of enthusiasm, to the role.

View Helen Featherstone's statement

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