Turner Contemporary

Project description:

As Turner Contemporary prepared to reopen following COVID, they appointed KCA London to train their newly formed Engagement Assistant and Retail Assistant teams. The training was designed to create a cohesive team with the skills needed for the gallery’s next phase. KCA was invited back in 2023 to help integrate new members and build the team’s ability to facilitate challenging exhibitions.

Our initial training marked the first time the group had been together since Turner closed due to COVID restrictions and since the team’s reorganisation and role expansion. The aim was to bring staff together after this period of change and uncertainty, create a shared understanding of their new role, and develop the wider skills needed to provide a high-quality, impactful visitor experience. Sessions explored: presentation skills and individual presentation styles, bringing artworks and stories to life, understanding how the pandemic shifted visitor needs and expectations, and the changing role of modern museums and galleries. We also provided a fundraising masterclass to build the team’s confidence in asking visitors for support and donations.

Our second training programme was designed to integrate new staff and build the team’s confidence and resilience when facilitating controversial or challenging artworks.

Both programmes were developed in discussion with Turner Contemporary, and sessions were tailored to team and individual needs. Modules were participatory and dynamic and provided opportunities for the team to help shape their role and group identity.