Presented at ACMI on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 for the BGM
As we reflect on the past two years of ENVi, it may have appeared that our committee operated quietly. However, behind the scenes, there was much activity and commitment. Despite the challenges brought forth by the pandemic, we remained steadfast in our commitment to supporting one another and advancing the field of museum and gallery education.
Undoubtedly, the pandemic has left a lasting impact on our profession. The intensification of our workloads coupled with the shifting landscape of education and museum priorities into digital engagement and rebuilding pre-covid visitors, has presented significant challenges. The exclusion of non-funded organisations from the Department of Education’s Strategic Partnerships Program has further complicated matters, severing connections between our sector and the state education department. Yet, in the face of these obstacles, the importance of our work has never been more evident.
Over the past two years, we have adapted to a hybrid model of meetings, combining face-to-face gatherings with virtual Zoom sessions. These meetings provided invaluable opportunities for us to share and learn from one another. This included a tour of the Melbourne Holocaust Museum prior to its opening to the public, Science Gallery Melbourne, and ACMI. This allowed the committee to witness first-hand education spaces, and how these spaces were designed to engage and inspire students. Thereby reinforcing the significance of our efforts in facilitating memorable educational experiences.
At this point, I want to champion the significance of our pedagogical approaches—the ways in which we facilitate learning and development in students—which I fear becomes lost when content and curatorial research trumps how we deliver programs. Pedagogy becomes invisible and forgotten, when in fact it is our superpower.
I am immensely grateful to all our dedicated committee members who have volunteered their time and expertise to share their skills, knowledge and experiences to enhance museum education over the past two years. Special thanks go to Ethel Villafranca as secretary, Sue Burgess as Treasurer, Tracey Collie as social media manager, Luci Marcuzzo as state representative at the national network, and Christine Evely for providing us with a venue. I thank them all for their support and contributions.
In addition, I would like to express our gratitude to Ian Watts for his continued encouragement and wisdom. ENVi stands proudly as one of the most active and dynamic sector networks. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Victorian Education Network in 2024, let us remember our roots and the pioneering spirit that has shaped our organisation since its inception.
As I step down from this role, I’ve held over the past 4 years and we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, let’s remain united in our mission to champion excellence in museum and gallery education. Together, we can continue to make a positive and transformative influence on the lives of students and communities across Victoria just as the museum educators of the past had on me and my life, to be standing with you today.
Dr Christine Healey
ENVi president 2020-23
Photo by Camila Credidio on Unsplash
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