The designation and principled direction of the department can be
summarized with the words of Eileen Hooper-Greenhill, who clearly defined the
duties of the contemporary museum at the end of the 1920s:
In order to reach different target groups, specific methods and forms of
work are being developed to optimize the presentation, understanding and
experience of art from the past. Gallery education programmes vary greatly from
those of school, which is already dictated by the very nature of the gallery
space. The privilege of being in the presence of original works of art provides
a unique emotional experience, however, this also comes with a responsibility
to protect our heritage. It is our aim to harbour – especially in those that
cross the gallery threshold for the first time – feelings that are associated
with various ways of stimulating sensory perception and to change the gallery
space into a place of wonder, play, discovery and wealth of ideas.
The educational work delivered in the gallery results from an integrated
model, which is constantly updated and contains a variety of programmes for
each age group. Activities are prepared and delivered to accompany the
permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions, for pre-school children,
primary and secondary school pupils, and adult audiences.
In addition to the organized programmes for school groups, much
attention is devoted to educational leisure-entertainment programmes for
children. In 2001, Gal’s Club was born, which invites membership to children
aged between 6 and 14. The diverse and interactive year-long programmes, which
are run in collaboration with external experts on art or appropriate subject
matter, include nine afternoon meetings so that children return and gradually
learn about the gallery spaces, the works of art and the work that goes on in a
museum.
Other leisure activities for children and families also belong in the
entertainment programme, such as children’s birthday parties as well as
Saturday and holiday workshops, etc. Also included here is the variety of
activities organised on open days. The most resounding are the didactic
additions to the exhibitions on display, and the exhibitions of children’s
products in the entrance hall.
More and more attention is being paid to vulnerable groups of visitors,
especially those with sensory or mobility impairments. In the past,
age-appropriate activities were prepared for children, young people and adults,
also with the help of outside colleagues. The future, however, will also see
the permanent collections equipped with software applications, guides and
notices for visitors with special needs, particularly the blind and the
partially sighted.
With its mission to promote art heritage, the department maintains close
links with the Education Section of the Union of the Museums of Slovenia (SMS),
as well as other educational and cultural institutions. To this end, we
organize (art, printmaking) courses, invite applications to various
competitions and prepare expert conferences for educators, teachers and
professors.
An important segment of educational work is represented by the Gallery’s
book production: Gal’s books, workbooks, teaching kits and manuals have proven
to serve as welcome motivational preparation for a visit to the Gallery, or an
incentive to promote discussion and creative output after the visit. It is our
goal to also make the publications available in appropriate print for the blind
and the partially sighted, as well as in English.
Modern access to the gallery, its artworks and activities, is also
offered via electronic applications (QR) and social networks (FB).
The department employs two education curators, whose job it is to
organize, prepare and promote the Gallery’s education and entertainment
programmes. In addition to them and the in-house curators, these activities are
also carried out by gallery animators and volunteers. The latter are usually
art history students who are trained in the Gallery to work with visitors.
Annually, more than 1000 activities are carried out, which are attended by
around 30,000 visitors. About a quarter of these visitors are children and
young people.
We graciously accept the help and ideas of volunteers. We also welcome
the cooperation of artists and experts from various fields in order to enhance
the Gallery’s education and entertainment programmes.
Information and bookings for guided tours and activities can be made
every day from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 10 am, by calling +386 (0)1 24 15
415 (you may leave a message on the answering machine). You can also book your place via e-mail: activities@ng-slo.si
Živa Rogelj
Head of Education
E: ziva_rogelj(at)ng-slo.si
Nataša Braunsberger, Curator
E: natasa_braunsberger(at)ng-slo.si
Tjaša Debeljak, Curator
E: tjasa_debeljak(at)ng-slo.si