About Christine

Dr Christine Healey is an educator and consultant with vast experince in museum and gallery education, offering extensive experience and expertise in her field. Her journey in the arts began with a passion for education teaching community art, then secondary visual arts, then museums, leading her to pursue a career that intertwines these vital fields. With a PhD from RMIT University, her research focuses on art museum educators’ practices in Australia and the United States, exploring the dynamic relationship between education, art, and community engagement.

Throughout her career, Christine has actively contributed to the museum and gallery education sector, most notably through her role as past president of AMaGA ENVi and as secretary on the National Education Network. Currently Christine is a member of the AMaGA Vic Branch Committee. In this capacity, she has worked to promote the value of gallery and museum education, and fostered a collaborative environment for educators.

Christine is a dedicated lecturer in Museum Education within the Master of Arts (Arts Management) program at RMIT University. Her teaching explores the historical development, current practices, and future possibilities of cultural education and audience engagement. Students in this course examine a wide range of programs, strategies, and methodologies used in contemporary museum and gallery contexts. They gain a deep understanding of the key influences shaping education in cultural institutions, such as government policies, innovative pedagogies, and international trends. Christine supports students to critically assess these learning environments, focusing on their potential to deliver immersive, interactive, and audience-focused experiences.

Christine’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing professional development opportunities, networking, and resource sharing among arts educators, allowing them to enhance their practices and better serve their communities.

In addition to her leadership roles within major cultural organisations, Christine has sought international professional development opportunities and fellowships to expand her expertise. These experiences have enriched her understanding of global best practices in museum education, enabling her to incorporate diverse perspectives into her work. She believes in the power of art to inspire critical thinking, creativity, and dialogue, which is why she advocates for pedagogical approaches that encourage communication, engagement and participation.

Christine’s focus on Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) highlights her commitment to fostering critical thinking and communication skills among learners of all ages. VTS is an effective method for engaging individuals in discussions about art, facilitating a deeper understanding of visual culture. By training educators and museum staff in VTS, Christine empowers them to create dynamic learning environments that encourage curiosity, observation, and reflection.

Christine’s formal qualifications include a PhD titled Crisis or opportunity: an exploration of art museum educators’ practice in Australia and the United States at RMIT University (2020), a Master of Arts (Arts Management) RMIT University(2010), Graduate Certificate in Arts (English Literature) at University of Melbourne (2007), a Bachelor of Fine Art (Photography) from the Victorian College of the Arts (2004). She also possesses a Graduate Diploma in Education from University of Melbourne (2005) and is a VIT registered teacher. Christine lectures in the Museum Education unit as part of the Master of Arts (Arts Administration) at RMIT.

Museum Consulting

As a consultant, Christine is dedicated to providing tailored solutions for cultural institutions. Her approach is grounded in collaboration, ensuring that the educational programs developed are relevant, inclusive, and reflective of the community’s needs. With a firm belief in the transformative potential of art and education, Christine is excited to help museums and galleries enhance their educational offerings, fostering meaningful connections between art and audiences.

Visit the Testimonials page to read feedback on Christine’s workshops.

Get in touch with Christine today to learn more or book a customised workshop!