Ferens Art Gallery, Hull
Young people aged 16 – 25 from a variety of backgrounds (students, young professionals, unemployed and young mums) took part in a programme of qualitative research designed to explore perceptions, motivations to visit and their experience of a planned visit to the Gallery. The research yielded fascinating results in relation to expectation management, relevance, immediacy and interpretation. In particular, the research identified a spectrum of needs in relation to modes of engagement with the work, from knowledge-based ('receiving' meaning from the perspective of the artist) to intuitive (bringing your own meanings to the work). The recommendations which flowed from the research provided a valuable set of practical outcomes and curatorial considerations to enhance Ferens' appeal and relevance to existing and potential young visitors.