We are pleased to announce that Sian Powell has been appointed as Engagement Officer for Wheal Martyn, following her internship as Trainee Curator.

Sian joined Wheal Martyn as a Trainee Curator in January 2020, as part of a wider programme led by Cornwall Museums Partnership. This role aims to develop the collections management and public engagement skills required of a 21st century curator, including assisting with projects across collections documentation, exhibitions, digital and community engagement.

As Trainee Curator, Sian was involved in peer network meetings with four other trainees hosted by three Cornish museums: Bodmin Keep, Falmouth Art Gallery and the Museum of Cornish Life. She had the opportunity to visit various museums in London and around Cornwall; to curate the #CelebrateClayCountry outdoor exhibition during lockdown; oversee changes to the Wheal Martyn guidebook and signage, as well as attending training and developing her curatorial skills.

 Sian said, “It didn’t take long for me to quickly fall in love with the museum and the wonderful heritage that it shares. I’m from St Austell and working in Wheal Martyn has given me the historic context for my childhood playgrounds of the clay trails and surrounding areas. I also found that the team at Wheal Martyn were incredibly supportive and welcoming and I instantly felt liked a valued member of staff which was greatly appreciated in the precarious position of being an intern at the very beginning of my museum career.

“I am delighted to be the new Engagement Officer for Wheal Martyn, and I look forward to engaging my local community by working with various groups in mid-Cornwall and helping to make them feel as though a museum is “for” them as a welcoming space.”

As Engagement Officer, Sian will be working on the “informal learning” offer for family groups and others taking part in activities and workshops, in addition to helping to plan the temporary exhibitions at Wheal Martyn.

We are now recruiting for a new Trainee Curator for 2021. Find out more and apply here.

The Trainee Curator roles are funded by Arts Council England through their National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Programme, the John Ellerman Foundation and by the European Social Fund and Cornwall Council through Cultivator Cornwall.