Handling Workshop

By passing an object around within a group ("handling") and documenting insights from participants, it is easy to collect knowledge about an object's use. It is an opporutnity to gather wisdom and fresh insights, but also a way to teach and share.

A great activity for:

• classrooms
• museums
• cultural centres
• heritage initiatives

• build a concept around a theme
• consider engaging multiple senses (sight, touch, smell, sound)
• can, and how, will the objects be safely handled

Considerations:

• are participants expected to possess knowledge / experience about your theme or objects? will they offer fresh insights?
• is there diversity within your group?
• are the

Do not miss the opportunity to document and share the experience.

• consider writing, sound recordings, photos, videos
• ensure you have the equipment and materials ready to document
• obtain appropriate media releases
• plan for support in faciliating and documenting your workshop

Congratulations! Your workshop is underway. Be sure to:

• support dialogue amongst participants
• observe that objects are handled responsibily
• document the workshop and its outcomes

Extend the experience and learnings beyond the workshop! Why not create a beautiful and engaging digital gallery on Cultural Codex?

Be sure to include:

• details of event
• details of objects
• credit the participants
• add quotes, images, sound recording and video

When we were building Cultural Codex, we came across this example of a handling project and digital book created and shared by the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. We hope that it inspires you to start (and share) your own workshops.

(http://www.pwnhc.ca/collections/sharing-our-stories/)