June 2021

We are currently co-creating an exciting new project, ‘opening our spaces with VR’, in partnership with the University of Plymouth. The project aims to bring immersive technologies into the museum, enabling visitors to experience the unique site through VR and revealing hidden stories through digital exploration.

The innovative resource will be available at the museum and online, engaging under-represented audiences who would not otherwise be able to access the museum in person due to hidden disabilities.

The project forms part of the Community Buddy programme, run by the British Science Association with funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The programme connects experienced Community Leaders with local researchers to spark new ideas and drive innovative community-led science engagement, especially with communities that are under-represented in the sciences.

Gemma Martin, Education Officer at Wheal Martyn, is teaming up with Professor Katharine Willis, Professor of Smart Cities and Communities at the University of Plymouth, to explore how technology can improve access for those with hidden disabilities and enable visitors to experience museums in different ways.

Wheal Martyn has supported the work of the British Science Association for many years; Gemma Martin programmes annual activities to celebrate British Science Week and offers STEM workshops for schools, groups and families.