Wild Museum formed in Summer 2021.
Founder - Director
John Coburn
John started Wild Museum after several years of working as a senior leader in the arts and heritage sector. He was previously Creative Director at Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, and before that Digital Programmes Manager at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums. John has over 16 years experience of leading teams, networks and innovative projects, producing multi-award winning work with dynamic collaborators from across arts, heritage, research and technology sectors.
John co-manages Duke’s Hagg Wood, an ancient woodland in Northumberland where some Wild Museum programmes are researched and developed. He is also a founder-trustee of Chopwell Regeneration CIO, a multi-award winning resident-led charity addressing social inequality in the post-industrial village of Chopwell through cultural and health programmes, SME development and capital projects.
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, a successful forest school Community Interest Company based out of North East England. 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 professional based in Sydney, Australia. Before relocating to Australia she was most 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.