Learning Through Culture: Novus and The Bowes Museum Partnership

At Novus, we are always looking for innovative ways to inspire learning, build confidence, and create meaningful connections beyond the classroom. A recent pilot collaboration with The Bowes Museum at HMP Durham and HMP Kirklevington Grange has shown just how powerful cultural learning can be when education and heritage come together.

This partnership explored how museum collections, creativity, and conversation can enrich learning experiences and help people reconnect with culture, community, and their own sense of identity.

Bringing Museum Learning Into New Spaces

At the heart of the pilot were interactive workshops inspired by objects from The Bowes Museum’s collection. Rather than learning through textbooks alone, participants were invited to handle artefacts, explore their stories, and discuss their historical and cultural significance.

This hands-on approach transformed the idea of a museum from a distant place into something immediate and personal. By encouraging curiosity and discussion, the sessions created a shared learning experience where everyone’s perspective mattered.

For many, this was their first opportunity to engage directly with museum artefacts. For others, it offered a chance to reflect on previous experiences of museums and share those insights with peers. In every case, the workshops helped bring learning to life.

Why Cultural Learning Matters

Culture plays a vital role in education. It helps people understand the world around them, reflect on the past, and imagine different futures. Through this pilot, learners were able to:

• Build confidence in engaging with history, art, and heritage
• Develop communication and observation skills through discussion and exploration
• Discover new interests and creative ideas
• Strengthen a sense of belonging through shared experiences

These benefits go beyond academic learning. Cultural experiences support personal growth, helping individuals feel valued, heard, and connected to the wider community.

Learning That Creates Impact

The sessions encouraged thoughtful discussion on topics such as global heritage, ethics, and ownership of cultural artefacts. Learners explored different viewpoints, listened to one another, and reflected on how history is preserved and shared.

Importantly, the workshops also helped learners engage with their learning environments in new ways. In some cases, people who had never used the library before were inspired to explore it further, borrow books, and continue learning independently.

Doing something different, in a familiar space, helped spark enthusiasm and renewed interest in education.

A Meaningful Partnership

For The Bowes Museum, the pilot reinforced the importance of accessibility and inclusion. By taking museum learning beyond its walls, the museum demonstrated how collections can reach new audiences and support lifelong learning.

For Novus, the collaboration highlighted the value of experience-based learning that complements the curriculum and responds to real-life contexts. In environments where time and opportunities can be limited, creating meaningful and engaging experiences is essential.

These sessions showed how cultural learning can nurture confidence, self-worth, and personal agency. When learners are encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and express themselves, education becomes something that lasts far beyond a single session.

Supporting Progress and Reintegration

At HMP Kirklevington Grange, an open prison focused on preparing individuals for release, the pilot offered particular value. Learners spoke about feeling included, respected, and reconnected with everyday society through the experience.

Discovering a local cultural landmark such as The Bowes Museum helped learners see new opportunities for engagement after release. From visiting with family to exploring volunteering or employment possibilities, the sessions opened doors to positive future experiences.

Cultural learning can play an important role in supporting reintegration, offering a sense of normality, purpose, and connection to community life.

Looking Ahead

This pilot marks the beginning of what promises to be a strong and meaningful partnership. Building on its success, Novus and The Bowes Museum will continue exploring ways to make cultural learning more accessible and impactful.

Future projects will focus on creativity, connection, and personal growth, using museum collections as a catalyst for learning and reflection. Together, these initiatives aim to help learners recognise their place within a shared cultural story and feel confident engaging with the world beyond education.

At Novus, we believe learning should inspire, empower, and open new possibilities. Collaborations like this show how education, culture, and community can come together to make a real difference. To find out more about other Novus projects, visit our news section.