Chichester culture chief Roy Briscoe is urging residents to have their say on what they would like to see at the city’s Novium Museum.
Councillor Briscoe wants folk to contribute their views on the Chichester District Council-backed museum services with an eye on helping to shape the future of the facility in Tower Street. And with that in mind, the museum is poised to launch an online survey to collect and collate the opinions to try to improve the experience for residents and visitors alike.
The short survey will be live on July 15 and will be open until midnight on September 1 of this year. A bonus for those who contribute their thoughts comes in the shape of the chance of scooping a voucher worth £50 (which is valid for the Novium Museum shop and cafe).
Councillor Briscoe, who is the cabinet member for community services and culture at Chichester District Council, says that the award-winning museum celebrates Chichester’s colourful history and helps to showcase a wide range of immensely popular collections and exhibitions. He added:
“In the past few years, the museum has gone from strength to strength, welcoming thousands of visitors to incredibly successful exhibitions such as ‘Tim Peake: An Extraordinary Journey’ and ‘Bricks Britannia: A History of Britain in LEGO® Bricks’.
“It also entertains residents and visitors alike with events that prove popular. And these include the annual Chichester Roman Week celebrations, a series of talks, and interactive family craft sessions. Many people don’t realise that the museum also plays an important role in children’s education, with its learning programme for schools.”
He added that to help build on the museum’s current success, people are being asked to get involved by taking part in the survey. He continued:
“We’d like to know what people enjoy about the museum, what they would like to see more of, and how they feel we could do better. If people have never visited the museum before we’d like to know what would encourage them to make a visit. This will help shape our services so that we can better suit the needs of our residents and visitors.”
The Tim Peake exhibition was a big hit with many, many visitors to the museum and struck a chord with resident Tony Moore, a self-confessed big fan of all things space travel. He said:
“With Tim being from Chichester the museum really had to deliver with its exhibition of what he achieved and they totally managed that. It was a thrilling view and all-consuming. I loved it and went many times and know plenty of people who did the same. That said, it’s really good to see the museum ask for the views of visitors so they can help shape the museum’s activities for the future. Since the Tim Peake exhibition I’ve been very aware of what is on at the museum and have been a frequent visitor. And I’ll be back, that’s for sure.”
*You can participate online at www.chichester.gov.uk/letstalknovium — there is also a list of FAQs to help with context and to explain some of the terms that have been used. A hard copy of the questionnaire can be asked for at letstalk@chichester.gov.uk or you can call to request a paper copy on 01243 521261.
