Course Overview
An 8-week course inspired by Poole Museum’s maritime collection.
Learn about some of the objects on display in Poole Museum. Make your own miniature paper art works inspired by them, including a little ‘ditty box’ to keep them in.
At the end of the course there may be an opportunity to exhibit your artwork made as part of this course in the main museum (taking part in this mini-exhibition is optional).
Course leader is visual artist Anna Shiels
What to Expect
Expect a safe and supportive environment for you to learn about museums, develop new creative skills and make something beautiful.
We will consider who decides what to keep in a museum. You will meet other people while working on your own artwork over a number of weeks. We’ll be using paper and card, drawing and folding techniques, colouring, cutting out and painting.
The course is open to everyone. No experience is needed—just a willingness to have a go.
As always at CoCreate, we’ll focus on process over perfection—taking time to explore, learn new things, and enjoy making together.
What You’ll Achieve
Our the 8-week course you will have learnt about some of the artefacts in Poole Museum’s collection. You will have thought about objects from the past and compared them with our own experiences in the modern world.
By the end of the course, you will have created your own mini-museum from paper that’s personal to you. We’re sure you will feel proud of your achievements, and we hope you’ll want to share it with others.
When, Where & What to Bring
We will provide all the basic materials for the sessions. You are welcome to bring additional materials from home, or things you’d like to explore in class through your art. This is a practical course so we recommend wearing old clothes or bringing an old shirt or apron.
• 8-week course starting 2nd June 2026
• Every Tuesday
• 2pm – 4pm
• Poole
Support
CoCreate sessions are designed to be safe and supportive spaces, that allow you the freedom to do your best work. Our courses are suitable for all levels of experience, and we welcome complete beginners.
When you sign up you’ll be asked if there’s anything you might need access support with, this could include physical access (lifts, wheel chair access, etc) or other things like help with writing, large print, or more time to process information. We’ll send a reminder email, with a link to join the session, to everyone.
You don’t have to tell us anything you don’t want to share, and we’re always happy to talk about how we can support you at any point in the course.
Access at the Venue
The venue is accessed via stairs or lift. Poole bus station is 15-20 minute walk and Poole rail station 15-minute walk. There is parking, including limited disabled parking, nearby.
Further information about getting to the museum can be found here.
“I felt welcomed and it felt good to be in a group, all being creative.
I could be honest with how I was feeling on the day. ”
- Create:Connect Participant Feedback
Sign Up
Create:Connect courses are open to people who identify as having lived experience of poor mental health and/or have a mental health diagnosis.
Click the button below to complete a short online form to register your interest.
Courses are free, but spaces are limited — early registration is encouraged.
CoCreate @ Poole Museum is a CoCreate partnership project with Poole Museum