Daniel ready to hone his historical skills at Ballymoney Museum

Ballymoney Museum is hosting a unique training programme (the Collections Skills Initiative CSI) organised by the Northern Ireland Museums Council in partnership with National Museums Northern Ireland, which aims to provide people with the technical and creative skills needed to pursue a career in the museum sector. Daniel Taylor was successful in securing the place on the Ballymoney scheme.

Speaking at the launch of the CSI in Belfast, Daniel said: “I am very pleased to have got a place on this innovative scheme. Over the next year I will have the opportunity to learn more about the various aspects of looking after a museum collection and contributing to the programme at Ballymoney Museum.”

Keith Beattie, Museum Manager at Ballymoney, who will be coaching Daniel throughout his placement said: “In hosting this placement, Ballymoney Museum is demonstrating its commitment to training talented new graduates. Daniel will be assisting us with an important project planned to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the establishment of the GAA and highlight the history of Gaelic sport and culture in Ballymoney and district. He will be involved in the vital stages of research and the design and development of the exhibition. He will have an opportunity to learn new skills through working with our collections and I look forward to working with him on this project.”

The Collections Skills Initiative is promoted by the Northern Ireland Museums Council, in partnership with National Museums Northern Ireland, and has received funding of £270,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The programme will provide both formal training and a museum placement to twelve trainees during 2012/13.