‘A bold, values-led changemaker’

 

Prof. Richard Sandell,
Professor of Museum Studies, Director, Research Centre for Museums and Galleries, University of Leicester

 

‘Sean was an integral part in the delivery of our latest exhibition. As well as being a true creative and sharing innovative designs, they are attuned to producing work which is accessible to all. They are lovely to work with and are always helpful and prompt. I can't wait to work with them on future projects.’

 

Emma Gilliland

Senior House Steward, National Trust, Coughton Court

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'Sean is a passionate, committed and talented heritage professional. They work with audiences with creativity, playfulness and integrity - combining a real skill in listening to audiences and communities and co-creating work with a grounding in academic rigour and attention to excellent historical storytelling. I’ve worked with Sean in my role as an Assessor and Tutor for Trainees on the New Museum School programme and they were a joy to work with. Sean was patient, encouraging and supportive of the young people they mentored on the programme and involved them in the work of Sutton House, National Trust by encouraging them to find their place, be bold and take ownership of their work. I’d love to work with Sean again in the future as they’re a valued member of the heritage learning community and an exciting colleague to have as a member of the team.'

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Jenny Pistella

Culture and Heritage Learning Consultant

 

‘I worked with Sean and their team to create Sutton House Stories, a Mixed Reality smart glass educational experience for Sutton House in Hackney, London. I enjoyed working with Sean a lot. They approached the collaboration with enthusiasm and rigour,  and ensured the project's smooth development throughout. Sean supported a multidisciplinary team in many ways, and their expertise was fundamental to shaping the final experience. I can't recommend them enough.’

 

Dr Mariza Dima, 

Researcher and Lecturer, Games Design, Brunel University London

 

‘Dr Sean Curran puts the ‘tang’ in intangible heritage! They’re smart, funny, generous and inclusive, righteous, and they have fabulous tattoos! Sean is an exquisite heritage educator, the David Hoyle of the heritage sector, and I recommend them to you wholeheartedly.’

 

Dr Marquard Smith

Programme Leader, MA Museums and Galleries in Education, UCL IOE

 

‘I am delighted to have worked with Sean at the National Trust. They are a talented illustrator and designer and worked with us to reimagine how we might showcase and tell the stories of objects of faith in our collection at Coughton Court in our 2020 exhibition 'Secret and Sacred'. Their work on sharing queer histories and showcasing the work of contemporary queer artists before, during and beyond the National Trust programme 'Prejudice and Pride' in 2017 has been inspiring, inclusive and trail-blazing. Their work at Sutton House in engaging the local community in Hackney has shown that meaningful community work can transform a community's relationship with a place and an organisation. My work and practice continues to be inspired by Sean and their brave, creative boundary-pushing work.’ 

 

Dr Emma Dwan O'Reilly

Experiences and Visitor Programmes Manager, National Trust

 

‘Working with Sean was both a pleasure and inspiring. The commitment they showed to creating a beautiful project was matched by the engagement quality, ethics and heart. Previously I’d followed their work so collaboration was very welcome. The results created have the power to effect lives and support change within the sector. I was thrilled with the outcome which was developed with care and skill. For this I’m very thankful, and look forward to future opportunities.’

 

Jon Sleigh

Freelance Arts Educator, Learning Officer and Learning Curator

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'Sean has been a delight to work with. Not only are they immensely talented, creative and innovative with the work delivered from the brief, Sean has been impeccably organised from the off. All their communication has been clear, punctual, and exceptionally well organised. Sean's insightful reflections have added real value to the project they have worked on with us. We hope to work with Sean again in the future!'

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Dr Ellie Armstrong and Eva Sprecher

Researchers and Educators, UCL Fresh Voices

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‘Never before have I had the pleasure of working with someone with the energy and drive Sean possesses. Forever willing to go the extra mile when needed, they are able to bring stories to life with a real sense of depth, relevancy and all richness, across the broadest spectrum of executions. I’ve seen them be both an inspirational leader and a highly valued team player. It’s been a joy and true honour to work with them.’

 

Chris Tutt,
Communications and Insight Consultant, National Trust

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'Just a quick note to say thank you for booking Sean as one of the National Portrait Gallery guides. I didn’t hear what the other guides said but it was so refreshing to be part of a tour that concentrated on inclusiveness and diversity rather than the standard white man in power. Sean did a great job and I think it really spoke to the CSU [California State University] students.'

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British Life and Culture lecturer, Richmond University and AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study)

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'I want to send huge thank you to Sean, our tour guide yesterday at the National Portrait Gallery. Everything about the tour they led was fantastic - the portraits they chose, the history and commentary they prepared, and their overall enthusiasm and passion for the gallery. What I appreciated the most was the fact that they represented a contemporary perspective on London that the students haven't yet heard in the program. They gave the students an alternative view of the monarchy, gender identity, the role of women, and people of colour whose portraits are included in the collection. I feel very lucky to have been led through the gallery by them, and their presentation has engendered a lot of unexpected questions and discussion among the DVC students.'

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Professor, Diablo Valley College

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'In all our conversations Sean has been genuinely open minded, generous and welcoming of dialogue, and while they know their strengths they are also willing to ask for advice when they need it and are happy to listen to another’s opinion. They clearly have a great intellect and they use it - I love the way they critique what’s going on in the National Trust and examine what the issues and what the opportunities are. I have really appreciated their presence at the London Visitor Experience Forum - they always bring huge energy and positivity to the room - they contribute, they challenge and they share, and they have definitely helped create an atmosphere both of honesty and collaboration.'

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Susannah Elliot, Visitor Experience Consultant

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