Every good story has a happy end, but this is just the beginning …

Hayk Mkrtchyan, Senior Fellow 2017

I think the International Training Programme is not about individual participation but about representation of your country. Since 2014 I have represented Armenia in this significant project. The ITP helps me to reach my goals directly and indirectly. Indeed, knowledge acquired through different ITP events, conversations and meetings affected and shaped my professional career path. Being the Senior Fellow was a real privilege in many ways. First of all I felt, saw and participated in that enormous initiative that happens behind the scenes. This new position helped me to make real suggestions and ideas and bring ITP Fellow “Voices” inside the organizational team to make sure that we meet their expectations. I have made many friends and I am really proud of it.

One of the important attributes of the Summer Programme for the Senior Fellow was to have the opportunity to travel to UK Partners both with fellows and without them, to catch up with colleagues and establish new relationships. I had the chance to travel to Manchester, Lincoln, Norwich and Glasgow. I had the privilege of receiving personalised tours and introductions, to make new contacts and pursue future collaborations.

 

With great support from the ITP team (Rebecca and Claire) I really benefited from various meetings inside and outside of the Summer Programme. I had possibility to work in the Department of Middle East and Coins & Medals, which enabled me to research and discover Armenian collections. During this time I tried to support the Departments’ Curators to “shed light” on objects with Armenian inscriptions.

Outside the BM I met Staff Members of the Museums Association in UK in order to talk and discuss future international partnerships between Museums Association UK and Association of Museum Workers and Friends of Armenia. One of the important steps of this meeting possibly will be a publication of an article in MA Journal. I also met with colleagues from ICOM UK.

Last but not least I tried to bring my proactive participation in building future initiatives for our Global network. One of the future activities I am keen to promote within our network is “Global Hubs” – important centers for professional development and mentoring opportunities for post and future fellows under auspices of the British Museum’s ITP team.

I am leaving London with full of ideas, emotions and plans.

Thanks to Ronan, Elaine, Patricia, Andrea, Sarah, Eirini, Tanya, Ela, Zeina, Vesta, Gareth, Tadas and all those who helped me get around the BM and during Partner placements.

Biggest thank to Claire and Rebecca for 3 amazing months…

I’ll be back!