From the 7th of February to the 4th of March 2011, Konrad Pyzel (Wilanow Palace) took part in a training placement under the Sharing Skills in Europe project supported by the Leonardo da Vinci programme. His internship took place in Mafra National Palace (Portugal).
“During my internship at Mafra National Palace, I was mainly working with the Education Department and the professional responsible for Public Relations. The objectives of my internship were focused on the general subject of public image management: methods of the history and collections presenting via written word (books, leaflets, guides, and brochures), exhibited and displayed information, websites, cultural and educational programmes. The specific character of the host institution as well as some important similarities and connections with my home institution, Wilanów Palace-Museum, gave me an additional opportunity of acquiring of knowledge about methods of cooperation with volunteers and local community, especially in adjusting the cultural offer to the community’s needs as well as its promotion.
During my internship I participated in current projects of the host institution, such as creation of its website, preparation of the scenario for the museum of sculpture for blind people, and discussion about various methods of promotion. I also took part in thematic tours and theatre shows, particularly in the ‘Balthazar and Blimunda’ play (drama) based on the novel written by Jose Saramago, inspired by the creation of the Palace in Mafra. To collect the ‘hard data’, I prepared two questionnaires: one concerning the volunteers (reasons, aims and circumstances of their work for the host institution), and another one regarding the local community (knowledge and opinions about the institution and its cultural and educational activities).
The final assessment of my internship is very positive, especially considering the fact that it coincided with the financial crisis in Portugal that disrupted the planned projects and activities of the Mafra National Palace. Although some previous goals had to be adjusted or limited (e.g. cooperation in organization and promotion of a temporary exhibition), the added value of the project was manifold. Among others, I got acquainted with various management methods; organisation and division of competences in the host institution, based on interpersonal relations within a team and diversity of individual skills; emphasis on personal creativity in search of alternative solutions to current problems of different nature.”