The Void Gallery, Derry~Londonderry is an artist run, internationally significant gallery. Alongside its international exhibition programme the Void has strong local links, and is a gallery very much at the heart of the local community.
When looking at their Facebook page earlier this week I came across these letters of Thanks:
letter of thanks courtesy of the Void Facebook page
The letters provide a valuable insight into what makes a brilliant visitor experience. They also show what visitors (especially children) remember about their gallery visit. Whilst probably structured by a teacher, each letter discusses three areas of the visit with great enthusiasm and individual character.
1. VIEWING: The art in the gallery
‘I remember looking at the most magnificent picture in the world’
‘The one I like was about the old run down building…yet it was so plain…it told a fascinating story’
‘The exhibitions are breathtaking… they are that good’
2. ENGAGING: Seeing their art on display in ‘a real gallery‘
‘I saw my picture on the wall I literally went ecstatic. I felt like I won a Nobel Prize’
‘I couldn’t believe my eyes when I walked in and saw my own classes pictures and poems stuck up on the wall’
‘I was so proud of myself it was like a life long dream come true’
3. REFLECTING: With juice and biscuits to finish
‘The juice was Orange and the biscuits were cookies’
‘Even though I loved the tour I looked forward to the end because the staff gave us orange juice and cookies’
The children remembered in equal portions the art, their art and the juice.
These three elements created an engaging and memorable gallery experience that lead one child to say
‘I’m just literally telling you, this place would blow your socks off’
To see the rest of these letters, or to follow the work of the Void head over to their Facebook Page.
Dr Oonagh Murphy 