Dr Kirsty McCarrison

Dr Kirsty McCarrison has over 18 years of experience in the heritage sector and aims to make heritage accessible, relevant, and enjoyable for everyone.

As the Senior Partnerships and Participation Manager for English Heritage she leads on the development and delivery of innovative and inclusive programming that engages diverse youth audiences aged 11-25 with the sites and stories of England, connecting young people with the past and inspiring them to shape the future.

She manages a team which focuses on creative approaches to heritage such as photography, poetry, theatre and dance, and amplifies youth voice both within English Heritage governance structures and externally to new and existing audiences.

A newly developed remit also includes national schools partnership work and a continued commitment to breaking down barriers to heritage engagement for youth organisations and young people directly.

Dr Kirsty McCarrison will be speaking at the Creative Museums Summit 2025 :

Animating the Past, Shaping their Future

How can museums and heritage sites become sources of inspiration, and environments for the development of creative practice for young people; not just places to learn about the past, but spaces to shape the future? This talk shares how Shout Out Loud, English Heritage’s national youth engagement programme, is working with young people to create these opportunities. Through bold, creative collaborations with organisations like The Aardman Academy, Photoworks, and the National Youth Ballet, young people are animating stories, photographing ancient landscapes, and dancing with history. From grassroots commissions to national platforms, we’re supporting youth voice, talent development, and genuine co-creation. Discover how heritage can be a launchpad for creativity, connection, and meaningful cultural participation.