Skip to content

Striking the right pace: how ‘less is more’ creates engaging museum programmes

  • by

Welcome to episode 99, where I’m diving into the concept of pacing in museum and gallery programmes, with a particular focus on the idea that “less is more.”

Pacing directly influences the participant experience. A well-paced programme ensures that your participants stay engaged, attentive and receptive throughout their journey. 

By carefully managing the rhythm and flow of stops, activities and information, we can create a balance that keeps our participants engaged without overwhelming or exhausting them.

“Less is more” is a guiding principle that encourages us to intentionally selecting and presenting a smaller quantity of content, activities, or object, so that we can create more impactful and meaningful experiences for visitors. In this episode, I’ll share how this can be achieved by:

  • Streamlining content with a carefully curated selection of objects or artworks.
  • Being selective, intentional, and thoughtful in programme design
  • Incorporating different paces
  • Allowing time for participants to engage
  • Customizing and adjusting pacing in the spur of the moment
  • Emphasizing quality over quantity

Find out why pacing matters and how you can apply the principle of “less is more” in your own programmes to create a more focused and engaged experience for your participants.

Links

Support the Show

Download my free Slow Art Guide

Download the Ultimate Thinking Routine List

Download the free guide – how to look at art (slowly)

Join the Slow Looking Club Community on Facebook

Curated newsletter by Claire Bown

Episodes mentioned in today’s episode:

Episode 98 Radio Bart: Exploring Art with Blind Mediators

Episode 42 How to Read a Group

Episode 69 How to use body language to create engagement

Episode 95 How silence is a superpower in museum and gallery programmes

Episode 96 7 Ways to Make Time and Space for Silence

Episode 29 How to Develop a Reflective Practice