Jersey Heritage Launches Muse

James Qualtrough | May 17, 2012 | 0 Comments

Some of Jersey’s most iconic heritage sites will form a unique background for music, and film this summer as Jersey Heritage responds to the wishes of young Islanders to engage with their cultural roots through a new and vibrant programme of events designed for members of the organisation.

Muse, which is sponsored by Orchid Communications and a number of other partners, is launching this June and opens the door to a world of entertainment in some of Jersey’s most evocative and visually stunning locations. From June, every Thursday after work, there will be unique free performances for Jersey Heritage members of films, music and other entertainment programmed around particular themes and events, such as the Olympics.

Live music, DJs, comedy and interactive art and photography exhibitions have been arranged for the first Thursday of every month, programmed by Toast and sponsored by IQ, as part of what promises to be an eclectic and diverse programme of events.

The opening night at Jersey Museum on 7 June will see the mighty Pirate Party Brigade supported by Rosie Barrett performing in the Jersey Museum Courtyard, with Jersey Heritage members enjoying backstage access to an exclusive exhibition featuring upcoming local fashion label Crapaud Wear and photographer Danny Evans, as well as a VIP showing of the legendary Hedley Le Maistre music videos.

Every second Thursday will see ‘Words’ as the theme, with comedy, debate and poetry programmed, whilst the third Thursday of the month will host a private cinema club for Jersey Heritage members to watch critically acclaimed masterpieces, programmed by Fortress Island Films and sponsored by Lloyds TSB. With seating for 50 people, members must reserve their place at each month’s film ahead of each showing.

In partnership with the Merchant House Brasserie at Jersey Museum, Jersey Heritage will welcome all members of the public to the Courtyard on Muse nights, but only Jersey Heritage members will be able to gain access to the private shows and enjoy other VIP benefits such as discounted food and drinks and the Members Lounge. Later in the summer and into autumn some of Muse events will be held at other Jersey Heritage venues.

Muse is central to Jersey Heritage’s commitment to create an engaging and educational programme of events and exhibitions that will stir islanders’ emotional connection with Jersey’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and is the direct result of research carried out by Jersey Heritage into how to connect with as many age groups as possible.

In 2011, and again this year, the My History Scrapbook has been enormously successful in building an understanding of the Island’s past for schoolchildren of all ages. The research carried out showed that those in the 18 – 35 year old age group are also keen to engage with heritage, but they want to do so through a more social medium.

Jeremy Swetenham, Commercial Director at Jersey Heritage said: ‘Muse is a thoroughly new concept for Jersey Heritage. Not only is it in response to the enthusiasm of a young adult audience but the superb programming and content that is being provided entirely by volunteers and we are enormously grateful for their capable support. Our hope is that Muse will develop via a thoroughly creative interaction between heritage and contemporary culture that will define our heritage in years to come. It represents a fantastic opportunity for members’ events delivered by members for members and making use of our unique spaces in a wholly creative way. We are expecting Muse to be very popular and would encourage people to become members so they can fully immerse themselves in the experience and range of VIP benefits.’

Membership of Jersey Heritage costs from only 85p a month for students and £2.95 a month for adults.* The whole MUSE experience is free for members, who also get their own ‘key to the castle’, which enables them to roam all Jersey Heritage sites at their own leisure.