The Impact of Seven Stories Touring Exhibitions

Seven Stories’ exhibitions are unique. They are recognised across the UK for their cultural integrity and the opportunity the present for families to playfully engage with the best of British children’s books.

Over the last 9 years Seven Stories have conceived, curated and funded 11 exhibitions that have gone on to tour nationally. The exhibitions showcase Seven Stories experience and expertise in creating engaging environments for families and evidence of their close working relationships with authors, illustrators and publishers is apparent in the level of detail in every space.

Seven Stories, National Centre for Children’s Books is currently the only venue in the North East touring exhibitions on this scale and their exhibition touring programme continues to increase in popularity year – on – year. 7 exhibitions developed since 2010 / 11 are currently touring, visiting twelve venues across the UK and being enjoyed by 452,443 people to date, while their Judith Kerr Collection has received international success as part of an exhibition in Troisdorf, Germany in 2013.

Venues across Britain have reported significant increases in visitor numbers and family engagement when hosting a Seven Stories exhibition. Speaking about the impact of hiring A Squash and a Squeeze – Sharing Stories with Julia Donaldson, Rebecca Brough, Life Long Learning Manager said, “We have had a really fantastic response from schools to the Julia Donaldson exhibition – Our Education team has never been busier and we are fast approaching capacity for school visits!”

Seven Stories’ ambitious touring programme means that children and families across the UK have the chance to enjoy their immersive exhibitions. A visitor to Through the Magic Mirror – The World of Anthony Browne at National Museum Wales in Cardiff said “My grand-daughter had a great time – young as she is. The little places where she could sit and do things – have a story, look at a book, gave her enough time in the galley to start seeing some of the exhibits.”

Scarborough Art Gallery hosted Tiger, Mog and Pink Rabbit – A Judith Kerr Retrospective in 2011 and said; “The feedback was overwhelmingly positive from visitors. These comments, and the impressive increase in visitor figures, both in general visits and through schools, demonstrate the impact of the exhibition. The exhibition increased participation in the arts in Scarborough, with strong evidence showing that this experience was enjoyable and inspiring to many visitors, as well as being specifically focused on bringing children and young people in to contact with art in a creative and innovative fashion.”

Seven Stories exhibitions are all designed to inspire children and adults to be curious, imaginative and creative so that people from all ages, backgrounds and cultures and abilities from across the UK can enjoy a lifetime of reading.

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To discuss hiring a Seven Stories exhibition please contact Alison Fisher E: alison.fisher@sevenstories.org.uk  T: 0191 4952707

For images, quotes or interviews please contact:
Lauren Regan, Marketing and Communications Co-Ordinator
Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. NE1 2PQ.
T: 0845 271 0777 ext. 223
E: lauren.regan@sevenstories.org.uk 

Notes to Editor: