Introduction: public programming


There's no business like show business, as the saying goes. A museum's public programme closely resembles a variety show - one that has to keep on running year round.

01.01.2008

Get your programming right


The exhibition and events programme is the lifeblood of every museum, says Penny Ritchie Calder. So it is vital to get your programming right

01.01.2008

Scheduling an exhibition


Scheduling can make or break an exhibition or event. You need to try and tie in with holidays, anniversaries and related events - and avoid clashes

01.01.2008

Programming to attract different visitors


Creating a balance in your programme is a challenge: you need to play to your strengths, but also attract as many types of visitor as possible

01.01.2008

Promoting exhibitions to the press


There is little point in producing a brilliant exhibition or event if no one hears about it - you need to find an interesting angle for the press to make it newsworthy

01.01.2008

Scheduling live events


Live events are a good way to create a buzz in a museum or site. But ensuring that they are attractive enough to draw a crowd takes some work

01.01.2008

Online programming


Websites are becoming more important for museums, not least by extending the life and reach of events and temporary exhibitions

01.01.2008

Case study: planning live events


The Wellcome Collection's Lisa Jamieson explains how thorough research and attention to detail are key to producing a live event to a professional standard

01.01.2008

Case study: dealing with media interest


The Florence Nightingale Museum's Kirsteen Nixon explains how she coped with a sudden onslaught of media interest in a small museum - and garnered invaluable publicity for it

01.01.2008

Public programming: further resources


Find more articles in the MP archive on planning, running and marketing your programme of events

01.01.2008