Access all areas

A live and loud exploration of contemporary music, the 'Access All Areas' exhibition in February 2006 revealed the secrets of the music industry. It included photographs of musical icons like Jimi Hendrix and Madonna as well as interactive exhibits such as a giant walk on piano and a dance floor. Our youth forum, The Core, saw this world-touring exhibition as an opportunity to show the young people of Plymouth that museums are not just full of dusty old skeletons and were involved from the moment the exhibition was confirmed.

The Core contributed to the design of the publicity, got involved with the public relations and arranged a series of interactive and inspiring music workshops aimed at teenagers, including Junk Funk, Samba Ramba and DJ for a Day.

They also organised the launch party, which was attended by around 300 young people. The party featured ultraviolet decorations in the galleries, a 20ft inflatable star in the main foyer of the museum and live performances by four popular local bands - Soul M8’s, Towards Reason, Future Empires and Autophobe.

The Lord Mayor also came along to give the opening speech and presented Duke of Edinburgh certificates to each member.