Wild Museum formed in Summer 2021.
Founder - Director
John Coburn
John is a producer and consultant. His work is shaped by a belief that culture and heritage can help communities imagine and create a fairer future.
He has over 16 years’ experience of leading organisations, teams, networks and projects, producing work with partners across arts, heritage, environment, research and technology sectors.
John is co-founder and Chair of Chopwell Regeneration CIO, a multi-award-winning resident-led charity addressing social inequality in the former mining village of Chopwell through cultural & health programmes, SME development and community-led capital projects.
He also co-owns and manages Duke’s Hagg Wood, an ancient woodland in Northumberland where Wild Museum develops programmes with creatives, researchers and local communities.
Core Associates
Dr Tim Shaw
Tim Shaw is an internationally acclaimed artist working with sound, light and communication media. Presenting work through musical performances, installations and participatory programmes, Tim is interested in how communication technologies change the way we experience the world.
Tim’s artworks, recordings and writings have been featured in The Guardian, Arte Tracks, BBC Radio 3, Resonance FM and The Space. Tim is also a lecturer in Digital Media at Newcastle University and is the co-curator of the Walking Festival of Sound.
Sophie Watkinson
Sophie is the founder and Executive Director of Stomping Grounds North East, a successful charity who connect communities to the outdoors. Stomping Grounds’ work with the autistic and neurodivergent community, and those who have experience trauma, is nationally acclaimed.
Sophie’s educational practice prioritises opportunities for young people and families historically marginalised or excluded from mainstream education, outdoors and cultural activity. Prior to this Sophie worked in further education and prison services, leading educational programmes for young people Not in Education, Employment or Training, and young adults in prison.
Caroline McDonald
Caroline McDonald is a museums and heritage consultant based in Scotland. She was recently Executive Manager of the Great North Museum: Hancock, where she led ambitious major exhibitions, digital projects and award-winning public programmes.
Caroline spent her first 10 professional years in broadcast television media, giving her a foundation in creative thinking, storytelling and an audience-focused mindset. After retraining as an archaeologist, she was Senior Curator at the Museum of London, leading programmes and strategy exploring the relevance of archaeology to modern Londoners.
Everything Caroline knows about heritage and museums was learnt at QVC The Shopping Channel.