Karen Thomas
Karen joined Kettle’s Yard and University of Cambridge Museums as Community Officer in 2013. In 2021 Karen became Kettle’s Yard Community Manger with a strategic overview of all Community & Learning engagement activity and a focus on working with communities in North Cambridge. She developed and delivered the innovative Open House programme, enabling creative community and artist collaboration with Kettle’s Yard. She continues to centre collaboration and community agency through her work.
Karen’s passion for participation and community engagement grew from inspiring work placements with the National Maritime Museum and Sutton House, a National Trust property in Hackney. She has previously worked at the British Museum and National Maritime Museum Cornwall before honing her skills in engagement and progressing through roles in the Learning team at Firstsite in Colchester, and arts development in local authorities and secondary schools in Cambridgeshire She studied History and Heritage Studies at the University of Kent and has an MA Museum Studies from University College London.
“My favourite thing at Kettle’s Yard is the unique opportunity I have to work with so many different people and communities who share their own views and responses to the house and exhibitions with me. It means I get to see Kettle’s Yard with fresh eyes every day!”
